The Academical THE MAGAZINE FOR ACADEMICALS ACROSS THE GLOBE | 2020
In this edition: DR ALISTAIR MCCONNELL TAKES US ON HIS JOURNEY FROM IRON MAN TO SPACEMAN AND BEYOND…
PROFESSOR MICHAEL COOK Also… EXPLAINS WHY HE IS IN SEARCH PROFESSOR FIONA DENISON OF TRUTH, NOT GLORY AND DR EMILY MCCALL SMITH COMPARE MEDICAL NOTES IN DAVID PROSSER TAKE 2 ACADEMICALS AND NAOMI HOWARD TALK ART AND INSPIRATION NIALL CAMPBELL REVEALS WHY THE IN DRAWING COMPARISONS BIRDING MUST GO ON!
New regular features include: MICHAEL LAIRD OUR LITERARY LEGACY & SHARES HIS OUTDOOR NEWS FROM THE ARCHIVE ADVENTURES IN GOING SOLO EDITOR’S WELCOME Dear Accies ONE UNIQUE LOCATION MANY MEMORABLE EVENTS WEDDINGS l CONFERENCES l PERFORMANCES l CELEBRATIONS DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE TO ALL ACCIES [email protected] WWW.EDINBURGHACADEMY.ORG.UK/VENUE-HIRE
EA’S CAREERS GET INVOLVED!
Every year, as Edinburgh Academy pupils prepare for life beyond the Academy, they benefit greatly from the professional knowledge and expertise of parents, Academicals and friends of the School. From presentations about career paths or particular fields of work to taking part in our mock interview process each October or offering work experience and shadowing opportunities, there are a number of ways that we invite involvement.
Can you help to support and inspire our pupils to make informed decisions about their futures? If so, we’d love to hear from you! Please contact
[email protected] EDITOR’S WELCOME Dear Accies
elcome to the latest edition Summer Term 2019 saw Mike Gregson of The Academical, in which we (EA 1960 –70) retire as Chair of the Court of follow the theme of pathways. Directors. We’d like to take this opportunity This reflects our fascination to thank him for his support and we look with the journeys that Academicals forward to welcoming him back to Accie make after leaving the EA and, as we events in the future – he’s known to be an approach our 200th year, the growth EAC Pub Quiz regular! We’re delighted to and development of the Academy and welcome Morag McNeill – former parent, Academical Club over two centuries. current Court Director and Chair of the EA Finance and General Purposes Committee – As this 2020 edition is the first of five as our new Chair. leading up to our bicentenary in 2024, we’re delighted that our Honorary Archivist, As always, my personal thanks go to the Andrew McMillan, will address his regular Accie community with special appreciation News from the Archive contribution as a extended to Honorary Archivist, Andrew series of five articles charting key milestones McMillan (EA 1960–70), Tony Cook (EA in the history of the Club and the School. 2018/19 has certainly seen a busy 1951–61; EA Staff 1975–2003), Rob Cowie You’ll find his first instalment, The Academical schedule of events, both our regular (EA Staff 1963–2012), Alan Fyfe (EA 1957–69; Club and its influence on the school, on pages and growing fixtures of reunions and EA Staff 2006–12) and Sandy Burnett (EA 26 to 27. In a similar vein, Alan Fyfe and Tony relaxed get-togethers, and exciting new 1959–69) as well as current and former Cook have agreed to explore the influence ventures such as our first Accies’ Business staff, our brilliant pupils and members of and output of Academical authors over the Networking Breakfast in London. This was the EAC Council. This year, I’d particularly last 200 years, again in five instalments, and so successful that we plan to mirror the like to thank President Charles Robertson Our Literary Legacy Part 1: The earliest decades event in Edinburgh and introduce it as a (EA 1972–85), Secretary and Treasurer, Colin is on pages 18 to 19. We’ve enjoyed talking regular feature of the Accie calendar. As Innes (EA 1972–86) and Vice President, to a host of Accies, old and new, about alumni activities increase, we’ve seen record Brian Hay Smith (EA 1970–84), all of whom their journeys from Henderson Row and numbers of Accies come back to School stepped down as office bearers in 2019. I hope you’ll enjoy reading – and be inspired and engage with the School community. They have devoted many years to the EAC by – their interviews and articles on pages It’s wonderful to see current and former and have provided the enthusiasm, support, 12 to 25. pupils connect with current and former expertise and many hours to make the Accie staff – there is so much everyone can offer community such an exciting and vibrant You’ll find a review of the year 2018/19 from each other. one. It’s been an absolute joy to work with Senior School, Junior School and Court of them and their enormous contribution, Director perspectives and, this year, Giles Looking forward, we’ve more networking humour and sense of fun will be sorely Dove, our new Director of Development events scheduled across the UK with a missed! Finally, I am very grateful to those and Alumni Relations, provides an update revamped EAC London Accies’ Dinner, our who have taken the time to contribute to, or on the progress of TO24. Giles joins the inaugural Founders’ Day and Benefactors’ be featured in, The Academical this year. Academy from Glenalmond College, where Day, and new Enrichment Lunches where Floreat Academia! he was Chaplain and Head of Divinity for Accies come back and host lunches to talk 12 years. He brings a wealth of experience with current pupils about their chosen in furthering alumni relations with the career paths. In addition, we’re planning an University of St Andrews and Stirling All Staff Reunion and more EAC lectures, University as well as The National Library this time featuring the MacLean brothers’ of Scotland. epic row across the Atlantic. For a full listing Alison Wardrop (EA Staff 2016–present) of upcoming events, please see page 41. Alumni Relations Officer
What would you like to see CONTACT US FOLLOW US featured in The [email protected] @AcademicalClub Academical? STAY IN TOUCH 0131 624 4958 /theacademicalclub
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The Edinburgh Academy is a charitable body registered in Scotland, number SC016999. THE ACADEMICAL / 28 1 CONTENTS
SCHOOL REPORTS
04 Edinburgh Academical Club Report
05 EAC Council 2018/19
06 Senior School Report
08 Nursery and Junior School Report
09 Court of Directors Report 10 Development Office Report 06
FEATURES & ARTICLES
12 From Iron Man To Spaceman And Beyond... 08 An interview with Dr Alistair McConnell (EA 1993–2006)
16 In Pursuit Of Truth, Not Glory An interview with Prof Michael Cook (EA 1952–54)
18 Our Literary Legacy Academical Authors Part 1: The earliest decades
20 Drawing Comparisons David Prosser (EA 1975–88; EA Staff 2004– KEEP UP TO present) and Naomi Howarth (EA 2004–06) DATE WITH LIFE AT THE ACADEMY. 22 Take Two Academicals Prof Fiona Denison (EA 1987–88) and 25 Dr Emily McCall Smith (EA 2002–04) 24 The Birding Must Go On Niall Campbell (EA 1946–59) charts the Academy’s contribution to ornithology
25 Going Solo Adventures in the great outdoors with Michael Laird (EA 1974–87)
26 News From The Archive The journey from 1824 to 2024 Part 1: The Academical Club and its influence on the School
2 WWW.EDINBURGHACADEMY.ORG.UK DO YOU HAVE A STORY TO SHARE? EMAIL US TODAY!
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ACADEMICAL UPDATES 28 Global Academicals 26 30 Sports Clubs 2018/19
34 Raeburn Place Foundation 34
36 Events & Reunions
40 Stay Connected Diary dates for 2020
46 EMAIL US WITH YOUR NEWS. 36 ACADEMICAL NEWS
42 Academical Staff Welcome
43 Academical Staff Valete
46 Academical Announcements
A ROUND UP 53 School Obituaries OF EVENTS, REUNIONS, SPORTS AND MORE…
THE ACADEMICAL / 28 3 Edinburgh Academical Club Report
The past year has been a busy one for the Club and further progress has been made in meeting our objectives.
n September 2018, the inaugural to thank Honorary Archivist, Andrew Accies’ Ready for the World lecture McMillan (EA 1960–70), for the tireless was delivered by Craig Mathieson work and effort he puts in to the incredibly of the Polar Academy (Inspiration through popular archive displays and slide shows for Exploration) and it is hoped this popular event these. I would also like to thank the pupils will become an annual fixture in the Club who give up their time to show Accies around diary. In November, the EAC held a relaxed on their tours of the School – they’re a firm drinks reception for local Accies to get- favourite of former pupils, some of whom are together and socialise, and in December we returning for the first time since they left welcomed the Club’s newest Accies, leavers the Academy. from 2018, for a Christmas get-together in a local Stockbridge watering hole. For those who live in Edinburgh, and in particular Stockbridge, it’s impossible to March 2019 saw the EAC’s first Business miss the developments happening at Networking Breakfast in London followed Raeburn Place. It is so pleasing to see the by relaxed drinks. We were delighted to Raeburn Place Trustees’ vision for sport welcome EA staff members Debbie Carr, finally taking shape. Roger Wightman and Mike Bryce to this. We hope to continue to welcome staff to Accie I would like to take the opportunity to pay socials as, naturally, they provide a great tribute to the Chair of the Court of Directors, draw for former pupils. A similar event is Mike Gregson, who retired in 2019. We are planned in Edinburgh in October 2019. indebted to him and immensely grateful It is hoped that these networking-style for his tireless support and enthusiasm. events will become a regular feature of We warmly welcome the new Chair, Morag the Accies’ calendar. McNeill, who takes up office. In September 2019, Vice-President Brian Hay Smith, There were the usual reunions, the Classes Treasurer & Secretary Colin Innes, and I also of 1980–90s, a 30th anniversary for leavers stepped down. It has been a great honour CHARLES ROBERTSON from 1988–89 and the now annual 50’s and a privilege to serve on the Club Council (EA 1972–85) Club reunion, this time for the Classes of and we wish our successors every continued EAC President (2016–19) 1969–70. I would like to take this opportunity success.
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EAC Council EA Junior School Staff Council Member Sarah Boyd (EA Staff Colin Cunningham 2009–present) (EA 1954–61) Sarah has been a teacher at Colin has been a member 2018/19 the Junior School since 2010. Prior to that, of the Council for a number of years and she worked at the Bank of Scotland for is President of the London Edinburgh 17 years. She attended St George’s School Academical Club (LEAC). EAC President for Girls and St Andrews University. She Charles Robertson (EA 1972–85) has two children and her son was educated Charles is an FCSI Chartered at the Academy. She likes travelling and Council Member Wealth Manager and has worked regularly visits family in various parts of Chris Duncan (EA 2002–08, at Murray Asset Management in Edinburgh the world. At home, she enjoys singing and EA Staff 2014–present) for over 20 years. Educated at the Edinburgh has been a member of the School’s Choral Chris has served on the Council Academy and St Andrews University, he Society for several years. She enjoys hill since 2015. He is currently Director of Hockey has two children currently attending the walking and exploring new areas of Scotland at the Edinburgh Academy and Scotland School. In addition, Charles is President of now that her children have left home! U16 Hockey Coach. Educated at Edinburgh the Edinburgh Academical Cricket Club and, Napier University in Business Management, when not busy playing golf, still plays the Chris went on to study for a Postgraduate occasional game for them. EA Senior School Staff Rep degree in Sports Coaching & Performance. Angus Tully (EA Staff Outside of work and study, he played hockey 2004–present) for Scotland and despite no longer playing EAC Vice-President Having taught at the Edinburgh internationally, still plays for the University of Brian Hay-Smith (EA 1970–84) Academy for over 13 years, Angus has Edinburgh in Scotland’s Division 1. He enjoys Brian is a Chartered Accountant recently been appointed Director of Music. spending time with his wife Maggie, whom he and Business Development Outside of the School, Angus enjoys singing married at the Academy in October 2016. Partner with Mazars LLP, having previously and conducts several choirs around the UK. worked in the whisky industry. Educated at
the Edinburgh Academy, he represented the Council Member Anna Robertson (EA 2008–09) school in numerous sports and then played Council Member Anna has served on the Council for many years for Edinburgh Academical Tony Cook (EA 1951–61, for over two years. She qualified Cricket, Squash and Rugby Clubs (where his EA Staff 1975–2003) as a solicitor in 2016 and now works at the claim to fame was losing the first division Following Edinburgh Academy, Procurator Fiscal Service. Anna was educated championship by missing a conversion Tony spent a year at The Royal Agricultural at Peebles High School, the Edinburgh versus Ayr at Millbrae in 1988). He is College, Cirencester, followed by three Academy and the University of Aberdeen. She currently the Captain of the Golf Club. years working in London with the brewers, is a keen sailor and serves as an active Board Brian is not comfortable with silence. Watney Mann. He took a degree in Zoology Director of the Aberdeen Law Project – a pro at Aberdeen University followed by three bono law and outreach centre. years research in Edinburgh University EAC Secretary & Treasurer Zoology Department and was appointed to Colin Innes (EA 1972–86) the Biology Department at the EA in 1975 Co-opted Council Members: Previously the Club’s President, where he taught until retiring in 2003. He has The following Accies were co-opted into the Colin is a Partner at legal firm four children who all went to the School and Council and proposed at the EAC AGM in Shepherd & Wedderburn. While at School, now has ten grandchildren, three of whom September 2019 Colin played rugby and cricket and was are in the Junior School. He has been trying Max Banks (EA 2002–07) Captain of the 1st XV. Colin was also a to retire for some time. His wife, Jenny, is his Hamish Campbell (EA 1991–2004) Sergeant in the CCF, won the VII’s Geography well-known accomplice. Barney Paton (EA 1995–2008) prize, the Ian Harvey Prize for Services to the School and the Thompson Prize for Scottish History. In his spare time, Colin enjoys hill Council Member walking with his dog and fishing. Andrew Cosh (EA 1994–2003) Andrew is Captain of the Edinburgh Academical Cricket Rector Club and led the team to Championship Barry Welsh (EA Staff 2017–present) promotion. A third-generation Academical, Barry is the 18th Rector of the his grandfather, Major S H Cosh (EA 1930–38) JOIN THE Edinburgh Academy, having taken MBE, captained the Scottish Cricket Team. on the role in August 2017. He started out at While at the School, Andrew received Colours EAC COUNCIL! Harrow School and took on the role of Head for hockey and cricket. He joined the CCF, of Geography at Fettes College for 11 years flying at RAF Cosford, and was a member of We are always looking for before leaving to become Deputy Head of the Shooting, Fencing and Mountaineering new members so if you are Shawnigan Lake School, Canada. He moved Clubs. After Edinburgh University, he worked interested please contact back to Edinburgh in January 2017 to become in London before returning to Edinburgh to Senior Deputy Rector and then Rector of work as a digital manager for a luxury product [email protected] EA. His two sons are both at the Academy. supplier. Andrew enjoys a wide range of +44 (0)131 624 4958 Away from the School, Barry enjoys the great sports, with cricket his passion, and recently outdoors and loves getting out in the hills. joined the MCC.
THE ACADEMICAL / 28 5 s one of our leavers observed at the 2019 Exhibition, 17 ‘originals’ Senior School who began their Academy journey in P2, when we were still a boys’ school, now sat as young adults ready to Report receive their Accie tie and step away from Henderson Row to embrace the next part of How can one sum up a school year in one short their lives. The Class of 2019 had at its core a significant cohort of pupils who witnessed article and still capture the multitude of human stories and were part of a significant change during experienced? The growth, the outbursts of childish their time here. With them, we moved into pleasure and joy, the sudden onsets of maturity, a fully co-educational experience, with the strategic growth of our year groups to 96 the resilience in the face of disappointment and the students overseen and managed by Mike pleasure and excitement in the realisation of success Gregson as Chair, and Roger Wightman as – these are the familiar emotions that every school Deputy Rector, but also through the variety of roles Roger undertook during his 28 year year has brought since our founding in 1824 and will career here. Roger Wightman, who retired continue to bring long into the future. in 2019, both guided our growth as a fully co-educational school - when he arrived there were five female staff and only a small number of senior girls, now 55% of our staff and 48% of our student population is female - and also the change in our curriculum from a hybrid blend of GCSE, Higher and A-level to a more uniform SQA exam diet. Critically, he was instrumental in championing the importance of holding onto those aspects of the School that make the Academy what it is today.
There continues to be something very special about Academy life. Whether it is the bat-like radar required to make it across the Yards at break without accidentally stepping into (or being hit by) the plethora of different ball games being played; the delight of watching a Division Music or Drama Competition and taking in the creativity, confidence and charm of our young performers; or the joyful noise of two lines of cheering supporters welcoming runners rushing through the hole in the wall during a Yards Race… as each year unfolds, we follow the signposts of looked- forward-to events, matches, competitions and holidays. I’m pleased to report that 2018/19 has been no different.
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Our charities’ programme continued to exhibitions, Chamber Choir performances, is a school that is full, happy and outward- encourage our young students to be of orchestra recitals and theatrical looking, that faces the challenges ahead service to others and successful events performances. This year’s notable events with confidence and remains determined to raised close to £10,000 for MND Scotland included BBC Choir of the Year, a Greyfriars give our students the very best education and Our Missing Piece, the year’s two chosen Concert, a wonderful performance of The that we can deliver. As I said to pupils in my charities. A very well attended ‘Wee Sleep Twits and the new student-led Division closing speech at Exhibition this year, in the Out’ raised well over £11,000 for Social Bite Drama competition, each of which gave words of Stephen Hawking: “… remember to and many of those who slept out in the Yards our students opportunities to shine. The look up at the stars and not down at your on a cold Friday night at the end of October strength of our extra-curricular programme feet. Try to make sense of what you see and woke up to rush off and represent the continues to grow and our pupils are wonder about what makes a universe exist. School in various sporting events come blessed with the well-rounded education Be curious. And however difficult life may Saturday morning. that we offer, participating in a wide range seem, there is always something you can do of activities while continuing to excel and succeed at. It matters that you don’t just Sport, of course, remains a central part academically. 2018/19 brought us record give up.” of school life and, during 2018/19, both results in the National 5 and Advanced the U16s and 1st XV had very successful Higher exam diet, alongside our second-best seasons, reaching the later rounds of the ever set of Higher results. We were delighted Scottish Schools Cup. Captain of Rugby, Rory to see four of our students go on to take up Jackson, gained national Honours in being places at Cambridge, alongside their peers selected to represent Scotland in the U20 who secured a wide range of exciting places Rugby World Cup in Argentina, while Meryl at universities across the UK. Smith, Deputy Head Ephor, continued to progress through the Scottish ranks, joining In closing, I’m delighted to observe that the the U20 Scotland Futures Squad and the U18 2018/19 academic year has been another Scottish Touch Rugby team. Jarrod Binsted one packed with excitement, fun, emotion, was selected for the Boys U18 Scottish Touch growth, change and development. The Rugby squad. Academy continued to change, modernise, BARRY WELSH improve and develop, while retaining the Saturdays at New Field are very special. traditions and values that we uphold. Despite (EA Staff 2017–present) Looking towards Fettes, the astro pitches an increasingly gloomy national picture, this Rector are full of activity with the School fielding no less than sixteen hockey sides. During 2018/19, Matthew Taylor and Jake Inglis were selected to play for the Scotland U18 team and Joel Davenport, Harry O Conner and David McRae were all selected for the Scotland U16 team, which David will captain. Looking towards Arboretum Road, the rugby pitches are equally alive, with fourteen sides representing the School most weekends and a growing Fives programme, which saw four of our students achieving top 40 UK rankings.
We also had a raft of swimmers competing at the Scottish National Age Group Swimming Competition. Sophie Porter, Arianna Coli, Nicole Stack and Ines Donald all competed superbly and Megan Collins came 3rd in 200m breaststroke, Samuel Chittleburgh 2nd in 400 individual medley and Calum Chittleburgh 3rd in 50m backstroke. Natasha Simson gained silver medals in both the 200m and 1500m freestyle and went on to become the Scottish National Age Group Freestyle Champion in both the 400m and 800m. On dry land, Eloise Walker competed in the World U20 X Country Championships in Denmark, representing Great Britain.
Turning to the school’s creative arts, I’m delighted to report that our Music, Drama, Art and Design Technology programmes continue to flourish and it is always marvellous to enjoy our end of year
THE ACADEMICAL / 28 7 Nursery and Junior School Report
The guest speaker at our 2019 Junior School Exhibition was Linda Fleming who taught for 27 years at George Watson’s College. She spoke to the children about ‘Carpe Diem’ – making every day count and making the most of the opportunities on offer at school. She also spoke to the parents of the P6 leavers and quoted from Kahil Gibran’s poem On Children: “Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself. You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.”
n my own 2019 Exhibition speech, Once again we focused on mental health and I referred to many highlights in a wellbeing during the year. All of our P6 pupils year that saw our younger pupils trained as Yogi Leaders, creating a win-win working on the stated attributes of situation through the impact the training had an Edinburgh Academy learner: resilience, on them and also on the P1s who benefited curiosity, independence, collaboration and from their newfound expertise. All of our creativity, and I’m delighted to mention some teachers and children also benefited from sense of awe and wonder and I would defy of these highlights here. training in the theories and practice of Relax anyone to spend more than two minutes Kids with the mantra of ‘breath – stretch – here without breaking into a smile. The Junior In the spirit of collaboration, our young affirmation’ being well used. School and extended Nursery enter 2019/20 sports teams had strong seasons during in good heart and we warmly welcome any 2018/19 with the P6 Rugby team scoring a The Junior School was named as one of 18 to members of the Academical community who try difference of +45 and the B team +44. be watched, globally, for our innovative use wish to visit us. In closing, I must mention Our cricketers had an 83% win rate, winning of IT. Outdoors we shone brightly too – our Lesley Paterson, who retired mid-session some matches by over a century, while our orchard received an award on Scottish Apple after a superb 28 years as an educator and hockey girls progressed from the group stage Day and we welcomed our inaugural batch of a leader. She is responsible for much of the of the Mary Erskine’s Tournament for the first rescue chickens. These birds have received happy atmosphere in the Nursery and her time. Our football side enjoyed success too, great care and attention and have led to the genuine compassion has left an indelible winning the Scottish Independent Schools establishment of the Chicken Committee. mark on the lives of thousands of boys Cup and Fettes Tournament while also I feel there cannot be many schools who and girls. making it to the semi-finals of the Board Cup would take a heartfelt and well thought out and the Inspectors Cup for the first time. presentation about stricken animals from a P5 boy and turn it into a reality! William Rae, Moving from the field to the stage, our P6 a P6 pupil, brought nationwide attention to Choral Club won the Edinburgh Choral Cup, the Junior School when he was named as once again out-performing several more both the RHS Young Gardener of the Year for mature choirs in the U14 category, while his age category and also the overall winner our Spring Concert saw a staggering 210 from all schools (primary and secondary) in performers take to the stage. 2018/19 also the United Kingdom. saw our P6s perform at the hugely well- supported SPIFOX Christmas Service at St Our Nursery, responding to the continuing Cuthbert’s Church, where a record-breaking oversubscription for places, announced the £300,000 was raised for local children’s introduction of another room – the Maple GAVIN CALDER charities, including £9,000 from the auction Room – for three and four year olds. Like of the programme cover designed by two of the rest of our Nursery, this now provides a (EA Staff 2011–present) our P6 pupils. Headteacher
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Court of Directors Report
This will be my last report as Chair, hanges introduced through the through our Development Office, we have as Morag McNeill succeeded me Office of the Scottish Charity redoubled our efforts to engage with the Regulator (OSCR) place an Academical community throughout the in office on 28 June 2019. While obligation on the Academy to world and more detail of this can be found much has changed over my tenure, demonstrate how we provide public benefit. on pages 28 and 29. I have thoroughly As a result, our overall governing document, enjoyed meeting many Academicals during both within the School and also in the Royal Charter, has been updated to align my tenure and comparing and contrasting the wider political and educational to modern governance standards. We have the education I received with the education environments, at our heart, and as the original copies of the Royal Charter signed and opportunities available in the vibrant by the monarch of the day, and dating back to community that is today’s School. we move towards our bicentennial, the founding of the School in 1824, and hope the School remains the same with to be able to display these in due course. It has also been a real pleasure to get to know a focus on supporting the unique a large number of students who are leaving The Court of the Edinburgh Academy is the School and entering a world of work that talents, needs and ambitions of all. responsible for the overall strategic direction is significantly different to the environment of the School and for monitoring progress that my generation encountered. We are against plans. Further details can be found well aware that the pace of change is likely in our Annual Report, available on the to accelerate and technological advances school website. This clearly shows how we across many disciplines will have a significant demonstrate public benefit and contains impact on employment opportunities. Many details of our bursary programme as well Academicals will be employed in roles that do as how we continue to develop and support not exist today and we need to ensure that relationships with our local community. our students are equipped with the skills to I would like to thank all Court members, face up to these challenges. This is one of the past and present, for giving their time and major driving forces behind the development expertise so readily. Their assistance is of a building that will link our historic School in many cases unseen but is vital to the Library to the James Clerk Maxwell Science continuing success of the School. However, Centre. The new building, the Learning plans are nothing without the people to Commons, will reflect the school’s origins in implement them. At the Academy we have the Scottish Enlightenment. a dedicated staff who know each pupil individually and provide them with many We have been fortunate to receive extremely extra-curricular opportunities. I have been generous help from many Academicals to exceptionally fortunate during my time support both our Bursary Fund and Annual as Chair to work with two distinguished Fund. This has enabled us to keep the school Rectors, Marco Longmore and Barry Welsh, at the forefront of educational achievement and have seen, at first hand, that the role of and on page 10 you’ll find details of the headmaster is not one for the faint-hearted! many ways in which, if you feel able, you can support the Academy as we redevelop our In 2013, we were fortunate to receive from Henderson Row campus. Eric Stevenson one of the largest legacies ever donated to a UK school. Historically, I have been connected with the School as a the Academy has not been well endowed pupil, parent and Court Member for almost but this legacy, through the income sixty years and I have come to appreciate generated by its fund, has enabled us to that the School’s history is as relevant to provide bursary support for a significant today as ever. But it is important not to number of young people who would not stand still and I look forward to seeing the otherwise have been able to afford an Academy make even more progress over the Academy education. It is the intention of the next few years as we face up to our next set trustees of the Eric H Stevenson Charitable of opportunities. I wish Morag McNeill and Trust to maintain this level of bursarial the Court of Directors every good fortune MIKE GREGSON support and, if financial performance and I look forward to seeing the Academy go (EA 1960–70: EA Court allows, to support the capital plans of the from strength to strength. 1996–2010; 2012–19) Chair School where appropriate. Additionally,
THE ACADEMICAL / 28 9 Development Office GILES DOVE Report Director of Development & Alumni Relations
Since joining the Edinburgh campaign. Not only will the Learning How you can contribute to our success Academy in February 2019, I have Commons provide us with a world-class and Throughout the history of the Edinburgh inspirational setting for education and the Academy, the generosity of our alumni and been delighted to meet and work pursuit of academic excellence, it will also – friends has been crucial to our success with colleagues, parents, pupils and under one roof – deliver against our five key and we are indebted to those who support the wider Academical community as educational objectives: us through our existing Bursary and Annual Funds and by leaving us a gift in we embark on a journey leading to the • the significant improvement of science their will. There are a number of ways in celebration of the School’s bicentennial teaching and learning facilities, delivering which you can support the School and in 2024. A very significant aspect of three new science laboratories and a our future. dedicated seminar and research space for that journey is our TO24 Campaign: collaborative project work Support the TO24 Campaign Supporting the Edinburgh Academy’s We have begun the process of securing • a dedicated Makers’ Studio, linked to the the £4.4 million required to build and Next Century. James Clerk Maxwell Science Centre, which equip the Learning Commons in time will sit at the heart of our multi-disciplinary for our bicentenary. The Edinburgh learning process, blending traditional Academy Foundation is responsible for he School has created an learning styles, creative design thinking, driving forward a fundraising plan and is ambitious Masterplan to provide innovative problem-solving, and technical currently seeking to raise the necessary the strategic framework for the and engineering literacy for all development of the Senior School campus funds, principally through gifts from our on Henderson Row. The ambition is to • the provision of a highly flexible, multi-use Academical and parent communities. have this work underway by 2024 and, engagement space, linked to our existing on completion, it will deliver outstanding science and School Library buildings Support our Bursary Fund to Annual Fund facilities to support our continued • the delivery of a dynamic resource for The gifts we receive enable us to fund commitment to academic excellence. We students – a hub for ideas exchange and bursaries for talented pupils – both have always strived to develop young people experiential learning as well as a pastoral current and future – enabling them with vision, courage and creativity, ready space for the character and values to either remain with us or to join us, to embrace the radically different world of teaching that is central to the well-rounded regardless of their financial circumstances. opportunity and work beyond school. We education of our young people, and firmly believe that our TO24 Masterplan will Make a legacy gift create a School that is fully focused on the • the enhancement of our School Library Much of what has been achieved at the future and equipped to deliver the skills and facilities to accommodate different Edinburgh Academy has been made education that our young people require to knowledge acquisition styles and improve possible as a result of the thoughtfulness enjoy success in the 21st century. creativity, to support the exchange of and generosity of individuals who have left beliefs and ideas, and to encourage legacy gifts in their wills. Introducing the Learning Commons debate and discussion and facilitate decision-making. At the heart of the TO24 Masterplan is the To receive further information about Learning Commons. This new space will supporting the TO24 Campaign or to In addition to supporting our own School transform the eastern boundary of our speak to a member of our fundraising community, our new facilities will also create campus and deliver a unique learning space team in the Development & Alumni increased opportunities for wider public and that unites the historic School Library with Relations Office about our Bursary Fund community engagement. Our enrichment the James Clerk Maxwell Science Centre, or Annual Fund, or about leaving a gift in and activities programme will use the new currently our most modern building, and your will, please contact us at: we are grateful to the generous philanthropy spaces we create to extend learning beyond of Professor Michael Cook (EA 1952–54), the examined curriculum and we hope whose interview you can read on pages that the Learning Commons will become a [email protected] 16 and 17, and his significant donation genuine community hub where people can +44 (0)131 624 4958 towards the science element of our TO24 gather for events and celebrations.
10 WWW.EDINBURGHACADEMY.ORG.UK SCHOOL REPORTS
GRATEFUL THANKS On behalf of the School, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the following early donors to the TO24 Campaign as well as those who support our Bursary Fund and our Annual Fund with gifts made through the Edinburgh Academy Foundation during our 2018/19 financial year. If there are any omissions or errors in the following list, please accept the School’s apologies and notify the Development & Alumni Relations Office accordingly.
Mr Ross Allan Mr Nicholas Kuenssberg Major Allan Cameron Professor Ian Kunkler The Right Honourable Lord Cameron of Lochbroom Miss Catriona Laing Mr Daniel Cohen Mr Robert Lawrence Mr Rob Cowie Mr Norman Lessels Dr John de Villiers Mr Marco Longmore Commander David Dixon Mr Simon Mackintosh Mr Roy Durie Dr Kenneth McIntosh Mr Tony Dyer Mr Andrew McMillan Group Captain Douglas Foster Mr George Menzies Mr Drysdale Graham Mr Roger Miller (Jean & Roger Miller Charitable Trust) Mr Robert Greenshields Mr John Prosser Mr Michael Gregson & Mrs Alison Gregson Mr William Reed Mr Peter Gregson Mr Nigel Reid Mr Stuart Guild Dr George Robertson Mr Andrew Hamilton-Meikle Mr James Robertson Mr Graeme Hartop Mr Archie Scott Mr John Hope Mr Charles Smith Mr Neil Kermack Mr Iain Smith Mr Andrew Kerr The Eric H Stevenson Charitable Trust Mrs Mhairi Kerr Mr Arnott Kidd Two further donors have requested anonymity Dr Chris Kinchin
GRATEFUL REMEMBRANCE We’d like to take this opportunity to remember the following individuals whose bequests were realised in 2018/19.
The late Mr Richard Cattle The late Professor Norman Lawrie
THE ACADEMICAL / 28 11 FROM IRON MAN T O S P A C E M A N AND BEYOND…
12 WWW.EDINBURGHACADEMY.ORG.UK FEATURES & ARTICLES
DR ALISTAIR McCONNELL (EA 1993–2006)
urrently a Post-Doctoral Research Associate in Sensors and Offshore Robotics in the OCRA (Offshore Robotics for Certification of Assets) Hub at the University of Edinburgh, Dr McConnell completed his undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at Heriot-Watt University. During his PhD, he developed a brain-controlled soft robotic exoskeleton for stroke rehabilitation and also undertook research with the Edmond and Lily Safra International Institute of Neuroscience in Brazil on neural rehabilitation. Dr McConnell specialises in soft robotics, rehabilitation robotics and multi-robot systems and, in his current role, he leads multiple award-winning STEM public engagement projects and has presented his work to NASA. He also occasionally works behind the bar at the Carlton Cricket Club… just to keep his feet on the ground.
You were a pupil at the Academy from 1993 to 2006. Tell us about your time here. Did any particular teacher or subject FROM IRON MAN inspire your future career? I started in P1 and was at the Academy right the way through my school career. Because it’s a small school, you know everyone the whole way through – and you get to know both your peers and your teachers really well. It felt like a family in a way and I loved it.
In Junior School I was diagnosed with dyslexia and although it had some impact on my learning, it never stopped me doing what I T O S P A C E M A N wanted to do and the teachers didn’t turn it into a big issue. I always liked making things and I think I probably always wanted to be an engineer – really from as young as I can remember – but I didn’t know what kind. I remember playing a lot with LEGO and taking apart broken electrical things at home (occasionally fixing them too!) and at one point I considered working on ships.
When I went into Senior School it was Miss Hennessy, who teaches Design Technology, who was particularly encouraging about my AND BEYOND… interests and suggested I study engineering at university. She was also adept at dealing with the challenges I faced because of my dyslexia and very tolerant of my mistakes too. My biggest problem was that I took longer than everyone else to take down notes – but to be honest this has translated into my time at university and even now, as an academic, I still struggle with writing documents and proof reading!
THE ACADEMICAL / 28 13 Was your journey through higher education a straightforward one? No! I went to Heriot-Watt University straight from school and started a degree in mechanical engineering. I completed the first two years of my course but struggled with a couple of the subjects. We shared quite a few of the modules with the robotics course and when I saw what other people were doing, I decided to switch. Robotics is the combination of lots of fields and disciplines and that appealed to me… and I’ve always liked science fiction!
I ended up doing a five-year Master of Engineering (MEng Hons) in Robotics and Cybertronics and straight afterwards I did an MSc in Robotics, Automation and Interactive Systems, specialising in Evolutionary and Bio- inspired Robotics. It was extremely satisfying to have that read out at my graduation! Only six people did that degree in my year (2012/13) but now there’s around 40 to 50 on the course.
How do you feel the Academy helped to prepare you for life after school? Well robotics certainly wasn’t on the radar back then but the Academy taught me to have a plan and a back-up plan, which was why I felt able to switch my degree course halfway through. The School gave me the confidence to see that there’s always another way to do things and there’s no point struggling desperately to achieve one thing when something else would be more useful. I think resilience is key. People make assumptions about you when you have a PhD but I certainly didn’t sail through every exam I sat. The Academy’s philosophy was that failing an exam isn’t the end of the world and my teachers were more interested in exploring the reasons why than getting annoyed. If you didn’t understand a core concept but were willing to work at it, they had a stroke. He struggled to pick up a pint were ready and willing to support you. glass because of its shape and I saw this as something that robotics could help with – to You graduated from Heriot-Watt in give him a physical and tangible solution to his problem. Today, the role of robotics in the 2013, what was the next step in your field of medicine is huge – from rehabilitation journey? to surgery – but I was publishing my work As you go through university you get EVERYTHING just as it began to boom so I got in early, progressively more freedom and I wanted to before the crowd. take my exoskeleton work further. I applied I DO IS ABOUT for funding to do a four-year doctorate During my PhD, I was funded by the Royal with Heriot-Watt and Edinburgh University SOLVING PROBLEMS, Society Newton Fund to go to Brazil for a so I didn’t actually leave academia, or ALTHOUGH AN month. I wanted to look at integrating a brain Heriot-Watt. I went on to do a PhD, which I machine interface into the soft exoskeleton completed in June 2018, and I’m now working ASSESSMENT AT I’d developed, so was incredibly lucky to be as a Post-Doctoral Research Associate at the able to work with neuroscientists at Brazil’s University of Edinburgh. SCHOOL SUGGESTED International Institute of Neuroscience. THAT I SHOULDN’T Together we began to push the boundaries Tell us more about the brain-controlled of what the robotics could do. soft robotic exoskeleton for stroke GO INTO A POSITION rehabilitation you developed during THAT REQUIRED We’ve now pushed and refined both the way your PhD. What was the inspiration? MATHS OR… that the exoskeleton works and how soft and Well the flip answer is that I always liked light it can be. When you talk about robots, Iron Man in comics, but actually there’s a PROBLEM SOLVING!” people still tend to think about big metallic much more serious trigger. I used to play devices but ours are soft silicone pouches cricket with a chap older than me who’d that sit on the back of your hand. All my work
14 WWW.EDINBURGHACADEMY.ORG.UK You’ve moved from working on robotics Public engagement projects are also in medicine to robotics in hazardous important in trying to address the current conditions. That sounds like an gender imbalance in STEM-related interesting transition… occupations. We really need to increase the number of young women coming into the Yes. We’re developing robots that can be put field. Opening their eyes to the possibilities into extreme environments and I’m currently while they’re still at school is vital. working on a project for offshore situations – wind turbines and oil platforms. Quite What’s next? simply, the project came up as I was finishing I’d like to finish my research associate job my PhD and I could see huge similarities in in a couple of years and gain a fellowship terms of developing durable systems and at the University of Edinburgh, which will finding solutions that help people. The point allow me to climb the professorial ladder. of what we’re doing is to take humans out of I also firmly believe that academia and situations which can be life threatening and industry should run in parallel so I’ve started put robots into those high-risk environments a company and hope to take my research instead. I find that I can apply skills I’ve out to physiotherapists and clinics in the already developed into new areas but when UK to get the verification that will allow the I was doing my PhD I made it very clear that I exoskeleton to be used more widely. never wanted to replace people with robots but to give people useful tools instead. Looking back at my time at the Academy And I’d never design anything for military and my exam grades, if you’d told me then use. What I do is not about taking away that I’d have a PhD and Doctor before my someone’s job but about making it safer for name now, I wouldn’t have believed you. Two them to do that job. That’s critical. months ago I was in Houston presenting my work to NASA – I’ve never been so nervous STEM (Science, Technology, as when I was standing in front of those Engineering, Maths) is a hot topic for people. Now, I’m hopefully going to be schools and universities at the moment. working in collaboration with engineers on Can you tell us about your involvement the space station. with award-winning STEM public engagement projects? This year I was the project leader for the ORCA Hub’s exhibit, Robots in the Danger AND ON A Zone, at the Royal Society Summer of Science. We wanted to showcase the work lighter note… that we’re currently doing and give the public an insight (in miniature – we only had a 3m square area!) into what robots can do. If you had a superpower, Showing robots lifting up sensors, solving what would it be? puzzles, flying a drone or putting out a fire Regeneration – Wolverine-style. encourages young people to think more One of my greatest fears would widely about robotic potential – and also be to be really badly hurt. is in soft robotics – bio-inspired – and this reassures them that Artificial Intelligence is requires a deep knowledge of the human not about robots taking over jobs or people, What three words would a body, how it is altered or affected after but about adding to what we can achieve as friend use to describe you? trauma, and how rehabilitation can aid in human beings. Talkative, honest (I hope!) its recovery. and diplomatic. Schools don’t necessarily provide a clear What impact do you think your work pathway into robotics so I’m also involved in What, in your opinion, is the has had and what advancements would the Royal Academy of Engineers’ Ingenious greatest invention of the 21st Award – Robosense – which involves going century? you like to see next in your field? into schools to talk about the robots we Easier for the 20th – functioning Anyone requiring rehabilitation to regain currently use, what we’re doing with them water and sewerage systems. motion has to go through a lot of repetitive and where we can go with them in the future. Harder to pin down for the exercises but that can be really challenging We introduce the young people to a diverse 21st – mobile phones possibly but when there’s a physical weakness. The group of engineers and bring them to both they’re the greatest bane as well. robotics not only give added strength but Heriot-Watt University and the University of collect data too. For example, stroke victims Edinburgh to learn about robotics. They are are often told that they won’t progress any given a robot to use at their schools, to code Read any good books lately? further but actually robotics can extend and monitor the environment. At the end Unstoppable the recovery period, helping people do of the project, we’ll have a big conference by Bill Nighy more and for longer to regain their mobility. where all the students and project engineers Every Tool is a Hammer So I’d like to see the brain interfaces we can get-together to show off what they’ve by Adam Savage use to collect data become more accurate been doing. I’m looking forward to working and less expensive and, consequently, the with pupils at the Academy on this – and with The Art of Invisibility exoskeletons I’ve developed to become Miss Hennessy again! I still think that a lot of by Kevin Nik Nik cheaper and easier to use outside of the work I do now is based on practices that I clinical situations. was taught at school.
THE ACADEMICAL / 28 15 IN PURSUIT of truth NOT GLORY
Professor Michael Cook (EA 1952–54) is a world-renowned academic and Professor of Near Eastern Studies at Princeton University, New Jersey. He was a Guggenheim Fellow and, in June 2014, was awarded the Holberg Prize for Services to Islamic Studies. In 2019, he was awarded the Balzan Prize in Islamic Studies and also the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Literature (DLitt) by the University of St Andrews. In 2014, Professor Cook visited the Academy with his wife and later pledged a gift of $100,000 to support the School’s extension of the James Clerk Maxwell Science Centre, as part of our TO24 campaign, in memory of his former science teacher, Mr Booth (EA Staff 1950–58; 1965–68; d. 1993).
You were a pupil at the Academy for just two years, from the experiment wasn’t enough to prove a theory so we did another one… age of 11 to 13. Was your experience here different to your and this time the theory fell flat on its face. We were then presented experience at previous and subsequent schools? with the Oxygen Theory. We tried it twice and it worked both times. My father was the Director of the British School of Archaeology in The Phlogiston Theory was a perfectly intelligent hypothesis but it Athens so my childhood was spent in Greece and I went to a school proved to be wrong in practice and, in that lesson, Mr Booth gave there for British Army children. All my teachers in Athens were me an understanding of scientific thinking that has affected the way women and the classes were mixed so the atmosphere at school I think ever since. was comfortable and a bit maternal. From a child’s perspective, the Academy couldn’t have been more different. Male teachers and no Today I’m a humanist exploring the history of the Islamic world but I girls! I did get used to it very quickly though. I was sent back to the think more like a scientist than many of my colleagues do. I’m much UK ahead of my family and although I stayed with an aunt for the first more likely to try and think through a hypothesis and also how to year, in my next year at the Academy I boarded at Mackenzie House. test it. I don’t know if Mr Booth came up with the idea of starting with When my parents came back from Greece our next move was to the wrong theory but it was very imaginative and it worked. As to my Bristol and so I went to Clifton College. The Academy had prepared gift, academics are perhaps not natural donors but I was fortunate me well for this move but I was very sad to leave behind the Greek enough to receive money from an award and wanted to put it to motto and that Neoclassical building – I liked it very much. good use. Perhaps there was a degree of sentimentality, but my gift to the Academy was very much in recognition of the spark that was What made Mr Booth such a memorable figure from lit by Mr Booth and stays with me to this day. your days at school and why did he inspire your generous philanthropy? Take us on your journey from Edinburgh to Princeton… In my second year at the Academy, I had Mr Booth for Chemistry. The I went from the Academy to Clifton to Cambridge where I did a Part 1 topic was combustion and he asked us what we thought happened in History and a Part 2 in Oriental Studies. The latter was a strategic when things burned. None of us knew of course, so he wrote out move on my part because I knew I wanted to be a historian but I also the Phlogiston Theory on the board and we all dutifully copied it wanted to find a space where there was room for me to make my down. Mr Booth then explained that in science we had to check our mark, and both British and European history were already crowded theories so we devised an experiment and the theory came out with with experts. It was a fairly insightful move for a 19 year old, one of flying colours. However, Mr Booth then told us that in science one the few I’ve ever made, but I was right.
16 WWW.EDINBURGHACADEMY.ORG.UK FEATURES & ARTICLES
From Cambridge I went to the School of Oriental and African Studies, You won the Holberg Prize for Services to Islamic Studies. part of the University of London, where I carried out post-graduate What did that award mean to you and what would you like to research for three years and then joined the History Department see next in this field? before moving to Princeton. The pull factor Before I received that prize I had a sense of was the job offer and the push factor was being under-recognised – and that’s a very Mrs Thatcher making British universities very comfortable feeling, you don’t owe the glum places to be. There was no money and world anything – but now I feel rather over- everyone just went around looking depressed. recognised! I don’t have a blueprint for what On my first day at Princeton, the Chair came in my younger colleagues should be doing, but and said: “We have a sum of money to spend there are some things that I moan about, the and we need it spent by this date, what can we WE ARE PAID main one being that academics have become do with it?” It completely floored me! TO TELL THE much more diplomatic and adept at PR. That’s OK for London or Washington, but academia What’s been the most surprising decision TRUTH AND WE should be different. As academics, we don’t you’ve ever made and where did it lead? SHOULDN’T BECOME have power – we can talk a lot but people don’t Probably publishing a book that I never necessarily listen. In an interview I once said: expected to write. I received a grant from the SO SENSITIVE TO “What academics say doesn’t matter so they Mellon Foundation, which freed me from most PUBLIC RELATIONS might as well tell the truth.” of my teaching for about three years, so I wrote Ancient Religions, Modern Politics. It’s about THAT WE DON’T. How do you navigate any controversy in the role of Islam in world politics today but ACADEMICS ARE the subjects you study and teach and has exploring that role by probing similarities and your work every put you in any danger? differences with religion in the politics of Hindu NOT PAID TO BE My work doesn’t put me in dangerous India and Latin America. There is something situations but I’ve also never courted publicity much more high profile about the way in DIPLOMATS.” and I’ve avoided becoming a public intellectual. which heritage gets involved in the politics of Over the years I’ve honed my skills in keeping Muslim countries and that goes right back to personal prejudices out of public presentations. the Middle Ages and into the heart of ‘fundamentalism’. This is very I’m not politically involved and I’m neither rude nor populist but conspicuous today – trying to live by ancient laws in the modern I do have a grimly realistic approach. I do an introductory course world. Hindus are nationalistic but their interest tends to be symbolic on the Middle East and we spend one week looking at the Israeli rather than an attempt to live a life guided by their ancient heritage. Arab Conflict. I try to explain why things are the way they are and not to justify one side or the other, but from time to time I still get complaints from both sides about being biased. I think that’s probably a good thing – there are so many points of view that when you are brutally objective it would be hard not to offend someone.
lighterAND note… ON A
What three things would you If you were Prime Minister, take to a desert island? what’s the first thing you 1. My wife would do? 2. A text book on Sanskrit Resign! If you really want a because I’ve always wanted thankless job then that’s it. to learn that terribly difficult language Read any good books lately? 3. Something to keep my The Empire of the Mahdi wife busy while I’m by Heinz Halm studying Sanskrit! If anyone is going to make a How would you describe film about the Ismailis in the yourself in one word? 10th century, this would be an Confused essential resource. Some of it is heavy going, but every so often it lightens up.
THE ACADEMICAL / 28 17 OURliterary LEGACY ACADEMICAL AUTHORS PART 1 l THE EARLIEST DECADES
Over the course of nearly two Our first group of authors welfare led him to keenly criticise vivisection hundred years, the Edinburgh belongs to the School’s earliest in Vivisection Scientifically and Ethically decades. James Macaulay and Considered and also pen his Plea for Mercy to Academy has produced an William Aytoun were part of the Animals. As editor of The Leisure Hour in 1873, astonishing number of authors, initial cohort of entrants in 1824 and stayed he included recollections of Lord Cockburn many of whom are now household friends for life as did Lewis Campbell, James and, in 1882, he produced the wonderful Clerk Maxwell and Peter Guthrie Tait, nearly book, Sea Pictures Drawn with Pen and Pencil, names. As we approach our two decades later. We’ve also chosen to which was admired by John Ruskin. As well bicentenary, we plan to explore include John MacDonald (Lord Kingsburgh), as his lifelong friendship with William Aytoun, the stories of forty of those authors R M Ballantyne and Marcus Dods in this James Macaulay was also able to persuade year’s article. Many of our eight authors fellow Academical, R M Ballantyne, to and writers in a series of five articles, were members of the Academy’s Court of contribute to the The Boy’s Own Paper. / 2 presented over five issues ofThe Directors or were involved in the Edinburgh Academical. The final article will bring Academical Club, and William Aytoun was Two other members of the 1824 intake were one of the Club’s founder members. James and John Ballantyne but it was their us up to the present day for the younger brother, Robert Michael bicentennial edition of the magazine William Edmonstoune Aytoun Ballantyne (EA 1835–37), who became in 2024. (EA 1824–28) entered IVths at the Academy the noted writer. R M Ballantyne spent as part of the School’s first intake. On two years at the Academy in the Geits and leaving, he started out in law but it was IInds and, when he was sixteen, sailed for Tony Cook (EA 1951–61; neither his inclination nor his destiny and Canada to join the Hudson’s Bay Company. EA Staff 1975–2003) and he was eventually appointed Professor of In 1846 he sent home an account of his Alan Fyfe (EA 1957–69; Rhetoric and Belles Lettres at Edinburgh experiences, which was seen and published University in 1845. His first wife, Jane by W Blackwood and Sons. Returning to the EA Staff 2006–12) have Emily Wilson, was a daughter of Professor UK the following year, he initially went into enthusiastically tackled John Wilson, Blackwood’s ‘Christopher publishing but William Nelson suggested this fascinating topic. North’, and it is said that Ayton never fully that he become a writer instead. Over the recovered from her death in 1859 and died next forty years, he published over eighty himself, six years later. His first collection of children’s novels. The most notable was The verse, Poland, Homer and other Poems, was Coral Island, which first appeared in 1857 and published when he was just 19, and it was has never been out of print since. In 1866, no doubt his mother’s interest in historical Robert married Jean Grant, a daughter of the ballads that inspired him to write Lays of the manse. Near the end of his life, he moved to Scottish Cavaliers and Ballads of Scotland. He Italy for health reasons and died in Rome in was on the staff of Blackwood’s Magazine, 1894. / 3 to which he contributed humorous poetry and, in a similar vein, also published the Lewis Campbell (EA 1840–47) was a satirical Bon Gaultier Ballads and Firmilian, a classicist of great distinction, going up to Spasmodic Tragedy, lampooning other poets Oxford on leaving the Academy. His work of his day. / 1 was innovative and imaginative, and he was a pioneer of ‘stylometry’, a sophisticated James Macaulay (EA 1824–30) was also examination of vocabulary, grammar and part of the School’s first intake of pupils sentence construction. He translated the and later became a distinguished medical seven plays of Sophocles into English verse, man who, by 1850, was a Fellow of the Royal wrote The Life and Letters of Benjamin Jowett College of Surgeons in Edinburgh. At this and also The Life of James Clerk Maxwell. For point, however, he abandoned medicine for ‘less sophisticated readers’, he published literary work, editing The Literary Gazette and books such as On Plato’s Republic for the founding The Boy’s Own Paper and then The Home and School Library and A Guide to Girl’s Own Paper. An abiding interest in animal Greek Tragedy for English Readers. He also
18 WWW.EDINBURGHACADEMY.ORG.UK FEATURES & ARTICLES
The Coral Island / 2
Portrait of William Aytoun / 1 Sea Pictures Drawn with Pen and Pencil / 3 originated the idea of verse translation allied Peter was a prolific writer and researcher John Hay Athole Macdonald (EA 1845–52) to comparative literature in Tragic Drama in and kept in touch with James at all times. was at the Academy from the Geits to the Aeschylus, Sophocles and Shakespeare. He was He wrote the Treatise on Natural Philosophy VIths. He studied law at Edinburgh and Basle known for his liberal educational beliefs, was with Lord Kelvin (Thomson) causing James to and went on to have a distinguished legal an early advocate of higher education for refer to them as ‘T & T’, and then wrote The career, taking the title of Lord Kingsburgh women, and co-founded St Leonard’s School Dynamics of a Particle with WJ Steele before in 1888. But it was his wide range of in St Andrews. becoming involved in ‘quaternions’, a very interests that truly charted the variety sophisticated form of algebra. As a result, of his publications. As well as legal texts Lewis Campbell was one of three boys who he wrote two important texts, An Elementary including A Treatise on the Criminal Law of were great friends at school, who fired each Treatise on Quaternions and Introduction to Scotland, his lifetime as an army volunteer other’s imaginations and who remained Quaternions, which impressed James. In led him to publish works including The close friends for their whole lives. The other total, Peter’s output included 22 books and Simplification of Infantry Drill and Experiences two Academicals in this literary triumvirate 365 papers, one of which was The Trajectory and Struggles of a Volunteer of 1859. In were James Clerk Maxwell (EA 1840–47) of Golf Balls. His third son, Freddie Tait (EA 1877, he wrote a children’s book, Our Trip and Peter Guthrie Tait (EA 1841–47), 1879–83), was Britain’s leading amateur to Blunderland, under the pseudonym of who both became leading mathematical golfer and came third in the Open in 1896 ‘Jean Jambon’ (John HAM) while his interest physicists of their time. Peter was top and 1897. Peter was also a religious man and in electricity produced Electricity in the of the class every year and, through the wrote The Unseen Universe in 1875 and then a Household, and in cars, The Past and Future inspiration of the infamous Mathematics sequel, Paradoxical Philosophy. of Power Traction on Roads. His last book was Master, James Gloag (EA Staff 1824–64), the autobiographical and entertaining Life his early classical interest soon gave way to Marcus Dods (EA 1843–48) was born in Jottings of an Old Edinburgh Citizen. Few of Mathematics. Peter and James vied for the 1834, a son of the manse of the ‘Scotch our Academy authors have such a wide– Maths prizes (though Lewis Campbell, being Church’ in Belford, Northumberland. He ranging oeuvre! the classicist, was Dux of the school) and was at the Academy from the Geits to the both entered Edinburgh University before Vths, and after graduating from Edinburgh These eight Academical authors show just going up to Cambridge. Their lives continued University, entered New College to study how varied an output we can expect as to intertwine as both competed for the Theology. In 1889, after 25 years as Minister this series of articles plays out in the next Chair of Natural Philosophy at Edinburgh at Renfield Free Church in Glasgow, he was four editions of The Academical. Sadly, many with Peter being appointed as ‘the better given a professorship in New College and others have had to be left out. This group communicator’. James was instead appointed the family moved to Edinburgh. His younger from the school’s earliest decades does as Professor of Natural Philosophy at sons attended the Academy and his eldest, not include, for example, Joseph Bell (EA Aberdeen University and published The also Marcus, was later a schoolmaster (EA 1847–54), the distinguished Edinburgh Stability of Saturn’s Rings, then went to Staff 1900–02) and published two volumes surgeon who wrote on surgery but whose King’s College London where he published of his father’s letters, The Letters of Marcus main literary distinction was that one of his The Theory of Heat, before returning to Dods, DD. These included a letter his father students, Arthur Conan Doyle, used him as Cambridge as the first Cavendish Professor had written to Professor Drummond on a model for Sherlock Holmes. In the next of Physics and writing the textbook A why ‘assemblies are dreadful’ and perhaps issue, our authors will feature, among others, Treatise on Electricity and Magnetism. He died explained why his father turned down Andrew Lang (EA 1854–61) and Robert tragically early, aged 48, leaving as his main the offer of Moderatorship of the General Louis Stevenson (EA 1861–63). legacy the formulation of the classical theory Assembly! His publications, mainly from his of electromagnetic radiation, which brought sermons, included Israel’s Iron Age and Why This article’s authors would like to acknowledge the extensive electricity, magnetism and light together be Religious? use made of The Edinburgh Academy Register (1914) and as different manifestations of the Bill Stirling’s book, 175 Accies (1999) as well as Wikipedia same phenomenon. [online] (2019) and Scottish Poetry Library [online] (2019).
THE ACADEMICAL / 28 19 DRAWING comparisons
How big an impact do teachers have on the paths their pupils follow? We spoke to David Prosser, the Academy’s Head of Art and Design, about the teachers who inspired him when he was a pupil, and to Naomi Howarth, who was taught by David and is now a successful illustrator.
DAVID PROSSER (EA 1975–88; EA Staff 2004–present) is the School’s Head of Art and Design. Having studied at the Academy as a boy, he returned here to teach in 2004 and talks us through his journey and inspiration. me to find my own identity. Now I’m proud “I was lucky enough to have wonderful Art of my ancestors, of the family members teachers during my time here – Deirdre who went to the Academy and what they and Jim Bowman, Kym Needle and Mark achieved; I enjoy the connections with the Cheverton. Mark’s impact was huge, not School’s history and the wider community only on the School but on art education as a that it’s made me aware of. It’s also very “ARTISTIC SKILL whole. He left the same year I did, to set up special to be able to teach in the same IS NOT A GOD- the Leith School of Art, but tragically he and school as my wife and where my children his wife Lotte were killed in a car crash a few are pupils. GIVEN TALENT. years later. He inspired many of us to go on IT REQUIRES to artistic careers. The world that we need to prepare pupils for now is very different to the world I PRACTICE, After the Academy, I went to Middlesex entered after school. Creativity through Polytechnic for my foundation course divergent thinking, risk-taking, collaboration RIGOUR AND followed by Graphic Design at Central Saint and adaptability is a critical skill for the SELF-REFLECTION. Martins, and I also spent a year travelling in future. Digital advances and a world where the middle of my degree. I worked for a short information is so easy to access means that I WAS LUCKY time as an artist and illustrator but wasn’t teaching methods have to adapt too. As a ENOUGH TO very good at working alone so applied for generation of educators, it will be interesting teacher training. It was during this period of to look back in a few years to see how well we BE TAUGHT BY my life that I realised just how much of an adjusted to the revolution we live in. influence Mark had been. My first job was TEACHERS WHO in Skye where I taught both high school and There is definitely a sense of pride when WORKED TO THE primary school children. It was a great job in pupils go on to achieve in the subject you a beautiful place and a big part of my heart taught. Naomi Howarth was a wonderful MANTRA THAN remains there. After five years, I moved to pupil. We still have her final pieces and use ANYONE CAN George Watson’s as Assistant Head of Art them as exemplar work from time to time and after a further five years, I came to the (although she’s welcome to collect them if LEARN TO DRAW.” Academy as Head of Art and Design. she likes!) – she’s also a great example of how you need to be willing to take on a After Mark Cheverton left the Academy variety of jobs… all of which she has done, in 1988, the school appointed two further and is doing, beautifully. inspirational heads of department in John Brown and Jonathan Ellis, so to end up The range of careers our creative pupils go stepping into their shoes was quite a surprise! into is so varied – graphic designers, film- makers, art journalists and textile artists. I come from a large family of Academicals And, of course, new creative jobs are being and when I returned from London, I found invented every year. Keeping in touch with the whole ‘small village of Edinburgh’ thing Academicals and sharing their success and very claustrophobic – you are known by the feedback is so important when educating school you went to and the family you belong today’s students. We need to show them that to. Curiously enough, it was going to a much a career in art and design doesn’t lead to smaller village, Portree on Skye, that allowed being a starving artist living in an attic!”
20 WWW.EDINBURGHACADEMY.ORG.UK NAOMI HOWARTH (EA 2004–06) is a professional illustrator whose debut picture book The Crow’s Tale was published in October 2015. She is about to launch a stationery range under her company, Kinship Press.
“During my time at the Academy, David Prosser gave us access to amazing resources and experiences – everything from showing “THE RESOURCES us how to mix and paint in oil, to setting up life drawing classes, to giving us our own AND TEACHING studio areas and allowing us to try our hand AT THE ACADEMY at throwing pots. He had a fantastic way of making you feel confident enough to express FAR OUTDID your thoughts and creativity, and he really ANYTHING I listened and encouraged you. EXPERIENCED Being at the Academy was a very happy time for me. I made some of my best friends at DURING A YEAR the School and had some really inspiring OF STUDYING teachers – Mr Prosser of course, and also Mr Meadows and Dr Marsh, whose FINE ART AT encouragement and knowledge remain with me today. After school, I spent a foundation CHELSEA year at Chelsea College of Art followed by a COLLEGE OF ART. BA in Costume for Performance at London College of Fashion. I then worked in the film DAVID PROSSER industry for about a year and a half before WAS AN deciding to pursue a career in illustration. INCREDIBLE I’ve always loved drawing and, when studying Costume, you have to work to a narrative TEACHER AND WE so the transition from costume design to WERE SO LUCKY children’s book illustration was actually a fairly natural one. I got onto a mentoring TO HAVE HIS scheme called Picture Hooks, based in ENTHUSIASM AND Edinburgh, and was fortunate enough to be mentored by Catherine Rayner, who is a KNOWLEDGE.” wonderful author and illustrator, and this gave me great insight into the industry.
I think the most important lesson I took away from my time at school was to keep learning and exploring the subjects that interest you. Although I had been very determined all the way through university to work in film, and ended up doing just that, one day I had to admit that it wasn’t making me very happy. I made the decision to quit and this gave me the confidence to try illustration – after all, what was there to lose? I desperately wanted to do something that I loved and fortunately it all worked out. I’ve been working as an illustrator since, and I do love it!
I was lucky enough to be shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize for my debut picture book, The Crow’s Tale. That was an incredible and unexpected moment and meant so much. Balancing earning a living while working in a creative industry is not always an easy thing to do. I had been working so hard on the book while working part-time doing lots of different jobs, so it felt like amazing recognition after quite a hard slog!”
THE ACADEMICAL / 28 21
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rofessor Fiona Denison (EA 1987–88) and Dr being practised at dress rehearsal! Now, I generally ask more Emily McCall Smith (EA 2002–04) both left questions before saying yes and do a bit of risk assessment too… the Academy to study medicine at Edinburgh EMILY To try everything at least once. You never know what University – Fiona in 1988 and Emily in 2004. Sixteen you might end up enjoying or being good at. Before I went to years apart, they both had a vision of a career as a GP and the Academy I hadn’t done much singing but after a few weeks, they both juggled the demands of bringing up a young I was singing on a daily basis and loving it! family (yes, they both had two boys!) while training and specialising. So where have their paths taken them now? TELL US ABOUT YOUR EARLY YEARS IN MEDICINE FIONA I graduated MBChB (with Honours) from Edinburgh in 1994 as the most distinguished female graduate of my year. I didn’t really set out to be an academic obstetrician – I always thought I’d be a WAS THERE A SUBJECT OR TEACHER THAT GP, like my dad. However, when I was working as a Senior House PARTICULARLY INSPIRED YOU AT THE ACADEMY? Officer, I was encouraged to apply for research funding. I was very FIONA Biology and the opportunity to do a proper research fortunate to be awarded an Action Medical Research Clinical Training project for my A-levels. Perhaps this is what sparked my future Fellowship and spent the next three years doing full-time research, interest in research… although my project was about measuring getting married and having my first son. Over the next ten years I nerve conduction in earthworms, which bears absolutely no trained mostly part-time, enabling me to combine family life with relation to what I do now! clinical training and research. It was pretty hard work with two very active young boys. In 2009, I was appointed as a Senior Lecturer and EMILY Mr Backhouse was an inspiring music teacher and I can still Honorary Consultant Obstetrician at the University of Edinburgh. remember a lot of the songs we sang. I loved singing in the Chamber Choir. Looking back, having that time first thing in the morning to EMILY After the Academy, I went to St Andrews to study Medicine. sing beautiful music amid the everyday stresses of teenage life was I loved living and studying there and the fact that everyone knew very therapeutic and a great way to prepare for the day ahead. everyone. There isn’t a teaching hospital in St Andrews so I came back to Edinburgh to complete the clinical years of my medical degree and I’ve been here ever since! My first job was at Edinburgh WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON YOU LEARNED Royal Infirmary. The shifts were tough but it was well supported and DURING YOUR TIME AT THE ACADEMY? a great ‘baptism of fire’. As a Junior Doctor, I worked in a range of FIONA To try new things, even if it takes you outside your comfort specialities including cardiology, gastroenterology, psychiatry and zone. I was Mary Queen of Scots in a Junior Musical and I think it’s surgery, and then I trained to be a GP. I had my two little boys quite fair to say that acting did not prove to be one of my stronger points. close together when I was training and it was tough being back at I didn’t have many lines to say but I did nearly get my head chopped work and trying to study for my exams while bringing up two small off on opening night due to a critical piece of stage direction not children and coping with the sleepless nights that come with that!
22 WWW.EDINBURGHACADEMY.ORG.UK DR EMILY FIONA, TELL US ABOUT YOUR WORK MCCALL SMITH WITH ENGINEERS, YOUR START-UP COMPANY AND YOUR HONORARY (EA 2002–04) PROFESSORSHIP AT HERIOT-WATT UNIVERSITY. HOW DID YOUR CLINICAL BACKGROUND IN OBSTETRICS LEAD YOU TO THIS? FIONA, WHAT’S BEEN THE BIGGEST The journey started one day when I was OBSTACLE YOU’VE OVERCOME IN speaking to midwifery colleagues about YOUR PERSONAL OR PROFESSIONAL water births. They needed to see the baby JOURNEY? being born to guide a safe delivery but the When I was an obstetric registrar, I slipped only option was to hold a mirror in one hand a disc in my back and lost power and feeling and a torch in the other, and the repeated in my leg. I had a walking stick for nearly bending was causing them back problems. two years and had to work very hard to walk Even to a non-engineer, this seemed highly again. It was tough completing my post- inefficient so I applied for grant funding and PROFESSOR graduate clinical training and overcoming the illuminated birthing mirror was born. the professional and academic challenges of Six national awards and a start-up company FIONA DENISON having several years of reduced productivity. later, this has led to an expanding number of (EA 1987–88) I couldn’t have done this without the collaborations and projects with engineers support of my family and friends. A few at Heriot-Watt and Edinburgh University. My years ago, I took a notion to run a half current projects include new technologies marathon – partly to prove I could do it and for developing fetal monitoring during partly to kick my leg into action. To say it was labour, anaesthetic placement for childbirth the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life is and developing frugal technologies to not an understatement. I made it round but reduce complications for pregnant women have absolutely no intention of ever doing and babies in Uganda. On my first day I vividly one again! remember entering my EMILY, YOU’RE CURRENTLY classroom and having to EMILY, YOU’RE REMEMBERED SPECIALISING IN PALLIATIVE CARE duck to avoid being hit by AS A BEING A REAL ‘ALL-ROUNDER’ THROUGH YOUR WORK IN A MARIE a gym shoe. That never AT THE ACADEMY WITH INTERESTS CURIE HOSPICE. WHAT PROMPTED happened at St George’s! SPANNING MUSIC, PHOTOGRAPHY, YOU TO FOLLOW THIS MEDICAL DRAMA, DofE AND CROSS-COUNTRY. AVENUE? Apparently I’d walked into WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE When I was training, I worked at St a gym shoe fight, which MEDICINE AS A CAREER? Columba’s Hospice in Edinburgh for six essentially meant the boys My mum worked as a GP and she loved her months and found that I loved working in throwing the shoes around job. Growing up I saw how hard she worked palliative care. When a job came up at the – the more ‘hits’ you got the but also how much she helped people and, Marie Curie Hospice in Fairmilehead, I had in return, how much her patients valued to go for it. Sometimes people think that better. I’ve had to cope with and respected her. She supported and working in a hospice must be all doom quite a lot of unexpected encouraged me and my sister to do and gloom, but it really isn’t. Of course it’s hurdles since leaving the medicine, but didn’t push us into it. If emotionally challenging at times, but the Academy, but I’ve never I wasn’t doing what I do now, I’d like to hospice is such a friendly and positive place think I might be doing something very and the team of people who work there are had to dodge a flying gym glamorous that would involve flying to New so inspiring. For me, it’s a privilege to be able shoe again.” York for breakfast meetings… I’ve no idea to look after patients and their families at Fiona Denison what the job title would be though! such a significant time in their lives.
THE ACADEMICAL / 28 23 THE BIRDING MUST GO ON The following article is edited from a longer feature on the Academy’s contribution to ornithology by Niall Campbell (EA 1946–59).
In 1929 a group of young men met in George Waterston’s house in Rector, was a keen ornithologist who encouraged the founding of a Inverleith Terrace. Almost all of them were still at, or had just left, Bird Watching Society and, after WW2, the School’s Ornithological the Academy. George along with Frank Elder, Archie Bryson, EV Society continued to flourish under John King who organised Watson and his brother Donald, shared an interest in ornithology lectures by visiting speakers and arranged Sunday expeditions to and together they set up the Inverleith Field Club. By 1933, the Club places like Aberlady as well as longer trips to the Isle of May to study had become the Midlothian Ornithological Club (MOC) with new bird migration. During the 1950s, a new spirit of adventure emerged members including Academicals Maxwell with the Field Studies Group travelling to Hamilton, Ian Munro and Herbert Dacker. Arran, Torridon, Harris, Sourie and Islay and, in 1958, with Europe opening up, as far afield “The Club’s first major project, led by George as Spain. When Peter Mawby joined the staff Waterston, was to establish the Isle of May in 1968, he took over from John King, leading Bird Observatory in the Firth of Forth in expeditions to Foula in Shetland and to the 1934. However, only four years later the Pyrenees and the Camargue and, in 1976, Observatory was closed down as the Navy IT IS IMPOSSIBLE NOT his successor, John McMichael, Head of the took over the Isle of May in the face of the TO MENTION ONE OF Physics Department, took groups to Sweden worsening international situation. On and the Netherlands. 3 September 1939, Archie Bryson wrote in THE ACADEMY’S MOST his diary: “The Second German war started FASCINATING If a passion for ornithology was nurtured today. It was unanimously resolved that the in school, it certainly flourished in later life. birding must go on.” The members of the ORNITHOLOGISTS – George Waterston was a great moving spirit, Midlothian Ornithological Club joined the COLONEL F M BAILEY. an enthuser and a creative force in Scottish armed forces and were scattered over the BORN IN 1882, HE WAS A ornithology. He helped to found the Scottish world, but the birding did indeed go on and Ornithologists’ Club in 1937 and, under his miraculously, they all survived. SOLDIER IN THE INDIAN leadership, the RSPB in Scotland went from ARMY AND A KEEN ALL- strength to strength. He was most noted George Waterston, captured after the fall ROUND NATURALIST. SENT for his role in the return of the Osprey to of Crete in 1941, was sent to a POW camp in Scotland. Others whose interest was sparked Bavaria. During his internment, he conceived INTO CENTRAL ASIA AS by the EA Ornithological Society went on to a new ornithological project that he brought AN UNDERCOVER AGENT related academic careers. Peter Slater to fruition after the war, buying the remote (EA 1947–56) became Professor of Natural Scottish island of Fair Isle and setting up FOLLOWING THE RUSSIAN History at the University of St Andrews and the Fair Isle Bird Observatory in 1948. It REVOLUTION, BAILEY WAS was a pioneer in the study of birdsong while remains Britain’s premier bird observatory DISGUISED AS AN AUSTRIAN Jeff Watson (EA 1962–70), son of Donald today. Frank Elder and Ian Munro met during Watson, the bird artist, became a leading an artillery battle following the Normandy POW AND RECRUITED BY authority on the Golden Eagle and worked landings while Maxwell Hamilton, who CHEKA (THE BOLSHEVIK as a scientist for the Nature Conservancy had joined the Royal Navy, was sunk twice, SECRET POLICE) TO FIND Council and Scottish Natural Heritage. Robert once within sight of the Isle of May. Archie Furness (EA 1966–71) was Professor of Bryson, posted to the Royal Indian Navy, A BRITISH AGENT… Zoology at Glasgow University and an mixed observations of Great Shearwaters CALLED BAILEY!” authority on seabirds; Tony Cook (EA 1951– with accounts of U boat alarms in his diary, 61; EA Staff 1975–2003) carried out research while Donald Watson carried a small paint on crows and returned to the School as box with him throughout the war and went on to become one of Head of Biology in 1975; Jonathan Osborne (EA 1957–69) occupied Scotland’s leading bird artists. When General Sir Philip Christison, senior roles in the RSPB and Adam Smith (EA 1974–87) became an the GOC commanding the XV Indian Corps visited Donald’s camp ornithologist with the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust. in Burma, the two men not only discovered a shared love of ornithology, but that Christison too was an Academical. For many of those involved in bird watching at the Academy, there remained a lifelong interest in birds that enriched their Many young people owe their interest in birds to societies and the enjoyment of life. They would all readily express their gratitude enthusiasts who run them, and the Academy was an excellent and affection for those teachers at the Academy who first breeding ground. Back in the 1930s, Dr Lionel Smith, the School’s introduced them to ornithology.”
24 WWW.EDINBURGHACADEMY.ORG.UK GOING SOLO
According to Michael Laird (EA 1974–87), adventure was never on his agenda at school. He wasn’t remotely sporty and his early trips to Blair House positively filled him with dread. Today, he’s travelled to almost 100 countries, existed in hostile environments, been a troop photographer in Afghanistan and talked his way out of prisons in a couple of challenging situations in Iraq and Ethiopia… So what turned the reluctant athlete into the adventurer extraordinaire? “ONE OF THE MOST A few months ago I walked and skied 640 “My association with the Academy began kilometres across Lake Baikal in Siberia. I IMPORTANT LESSONS in 1974 and I, along with my brother Nick, travelled solo across the ice for 25 days in THAT I LEARNED AT enjoyed the entirety of our schooling at temperatures that dipped to -40C. My boots THE ACADEMY WAS Denham Green, Arboretum Road and split, my tent was destroyed in a storm, Henderson Row. Two teachers really stand both stoves failed on day one and I existed TO PICK MYSELF out for me – Doug Bonnyman (EA Staff without hot food or hot drinks for almost UP, DUST MYSELF 1976–2009), my German teacher, who was the whole expedition. All that I had learnt OFF AND GET BACK perhaps the first teacher to really inspire on previous North Pole expeditions meant I me to learn and Jimmy Hudson (EA Staff could exist on cold food rations, sleep out on ON TRACK WHEN 1982–2011), my form teacher for two years, the ice and mend (or manage without) pretty THINGS DON’T GO who taught me about respect, life, myself well any piece of kit that failed, but I did fall and, of course, geography. It was perhaps though the ice twice and was very lucky to QUITE AS PLANNED this combination of the outdoors, languages make it back on top alive. IN LIFE. NOT SO EASY and knowledge of the world that inspired me TO DO IN YOUR to be an adventurer and to seek out places If I could start all over again, I doubt I would that no person has been to before. But it was change much about my life. I love what I do YOUNGER YEARS only years later, as I trudged happily around and regret very few choices that I’ve made. BUT PERSPECTIVE, the soggy and overcast Cairngorms, that I I seize every opportunity that comes my RESILIENCE AND LIFE fully realised the benefits of my education. way. My favourite trip was my solo 4,000 km crossing of Australia. Many great adventurers EXPERIENCE HELP TO Although I left Henderson Row in 1987 to from the past have inspired me, but I like BUILD UPON WHAT read accountancy in London, it turned out to seek a new path. What’s next on the list? not to be for me and I left a year later to start A good question! It’s an 864 km, 8-week YOU LEARN a career in financial services. Professional walk across Scotland from Kirk Yetholm AT SCHOOL.” qualifications and career progression to Cape Wrath. This has never been done followed but I found I was neither stimulated before in one go and, to make it even more by my career path nor by money. When I was challenging, I intend to do it in winter. I think still at school, aged 17, I had been diagnosed adaptability is crucial to most aspects of life. with a bone disease. At the time this was Thinking about changes in exploration and devastating and I was told I would be in a survival since I began following this path, I wheelchair by the time I was 50. However, can recall canvas tents giving way to ultra- the support of my family, coupled with my light weight, rip-stop nylon, compasses being time at the Academy, taught me that you replaced by GPS and even travel books being can be what you want to be and this too replaced by apps on your phone. Not much inspired me to go out and do things – to see of this could have been foreseen thirty years the world. Now I am 50, and fitter and more ago so what will exploration and adventure active than ever. look like by 2050?”
THE ACADEMICAL / 28 25 News from THE ARCHIVE
THE JOURNEY FROM 1824 TO 2024 PART 1 l THE ACADEMICAL CLUB & ITS INFLUENCE ON THE SCHOOL
3 The Edinburgh Academy Centenary Cricket Match. 1 2 Since 2016, The Academical has featured a fascinating piece of ‘News from the archive’, expertly compiled by our Honorary Archivist, Andrew McMillan (EA 1960–70). As we approach our bicentenary, Andrew has generously agreed to develop a series of five articles exploring key milestones in the school’s 200-year history. Using his archival knowledge, Andrew brings the story of an ever-changing and evolving school vividly to life. His first article explores the founding of the Academical Club
Best patrons of the Academy the School’s formative years, played an Academy’s recovery. The School had in Rector John Williams was a important role in its development. One fact started its life in debt and this financial far-sighted man. In 1828, just of the Club’s first actions was to establish burden only increased with the mounting four years after the founding prizes, which still feature in the Academy costs of constructing new buildings and a of the Edinburgh Academy, he prize list to this day, in the form of the reduction in fee income as School numbers asked members of his newly- Academical Club Prize for Modern History fell away. By 1848, spiralling debt forced formed VIIths if they would like to create a and the Academical Club Prize for Dux of the School’s Directors to issue an urgent club for former pupils. John M Balfour (EA the School. Initially awarded for Latin verses, ‘Appeal to the Friends of the Academy’ – a 1824–27) (afterwards Balfour-Melville), a in 1846 the Dux prize was changed to an call for help that subsequently became a 17-year-old who had left school a year earlier, annual award for the best in all subjects, public appeal and thankfully averted crisis chaired a meeting on 28 July 1828 and those based on written examinations held in due to generous support from a number of attending responded enthusiastically to the School. It was open to all members of the quarters, including the Academical Club. proposal. The Edinburgh Academical Club three senior classes where branches of study came into being and, to begin with, was to be included Greek, Latin, Mathematics, English, The influence of the Balfour brothers exclusively for former pupils of the school. French, Geography, History and Scripture In 1849, the afore-mentioned John M Balfour, Its membership has evolved over time and Biography. By 1848, two distinguished who was the Academical Club’s Vice-President today includes former and current staff, as members of Oxford University were engaged in its early years, was appointed Treasurer Associate Members and Life Members, and to prepare and mark the exam papers, a of the Academy. He was to hold this position others elected as Honorary Life Members. precursor to the Oxford and Cambridge until 1860 and was also an Academy Director Within a few months, on 29 January 1829, the Examination Board. from 1845 until 1860 and again from Club held its first Annual General Meeting 1870 until 1893. John worked closely with and elected its first President, Archibald A school in crisis his younger brother, Robert Balfour (EA Campbell Tait (EA 1824–27), who would go on Another early action of the Academical Club 1827–34; Academy Director 1862–69) who to become Archbishop of Canterbury. / 1 was to raise funds to found an Exhibition for had become Secretary to the Club in University-bound Academy boys. However 1845 and held office for 24 years until his The introduction of prizes the launch of this had to be put on hold premature death in 1869. / 2 Throughout its history, the Club and its when, during the session 1848/49, the active membership have supported the school faced a financial crisis and the Club The two brothers worked tirelessly for the Academy in many different ways and, during donated the Exhibition funds to assist the benefit of the School and also ensured a
26 WWW.EDINBURGHACADEMY.ORG.UK FEATURES & ARTICLES
dynamic and fruitful relationship between School prizes and other activities. War Memorial, and the Academical Club Club and School. For example, Robert played Interestingly, the class of 1841–46 produced coordinated many of the events, including a major role in supporting Rector Hannah many notable Academicals including Andrew a cricket match between the Academy and to secure Raeburn Place as the School’s Beatson Bell (Advocate), Sir Edward James Past Academy Captains. No fewer than 19 Cricket Field in 1854. The Balfour brothers’ Harland (Founder of Harland and Wolff, Class Clubs were represented at the dinner, partnership was so effective, and the Shipbuilders), Professor Henry Charles which was chaired by The Viscount Finlay of Academical Club’s contribution so valuable, Fleeming Jenkin (Engineer and Scientist), Nairn (EA 1851–58) and held in the Music Hall that in 1867 Rector Hodson recognised Allan Stewart (Engineer and Designer of the in George Street. Floreat Academia was sung the Club as ‘the sole benefactors of the Forth Bridge), Professor Peter Guthrie Tait at celebrations around the world. / 3 Academy’. One of Robert’s last achievements (Mathematician and friend of James Clerk was the long-delayed launch, in 1868, of the Maxwell who was in the class above), Sir Club publications Academical Club Exhibition. After Robert’s Patrick Heron Watson (Surgeon) and Andrew Following the publication of the Register, death, his friends established the Balfour Wilson (Missionary). Other clubs from this the Club then published a War Supplement Prizes for French and German, with the period included the D’Arcy Thompson in 1921, edited by the indefatigable Sidney German Prize remaining in place to ‘Tamson’ Class Club (1861–68) whose Freeman (EA 1884–87) and containing the this day. members included Robert Louis Stevenson, Roll of Honour. Much to the regret of Bruce and the Weir Class Club (1872–79) in honour Stenhouse (EA 1920–30) who was Club On the sports field of Henry Weir, who taughtfrom 1853 until Secretary from 1946–65, another full Following Robert Balfour’s death in 1869, 1881 and was probably the most popular Register was never prepared. However, it was perhaps unsurprising that the Club Classics Master of the nineteenth century. the Academical Club did produce several went into a period of decline, although The Weir Class Club Essay Prize, founded in important publications during the 20th Academicals continued to play a large 1903 in his memory, was for the best essay in century and these include The Edinburgh part in Academy life and in the wider English in an open competition for the Vths Academy War Service Record 1939–1945 and community. In sport, for example, the to VIIths. Essay subjects were chosen by the The EA List 1888–1953, both compiled by Cricket Club (founded in 1854) and the Weir Class Club committee and prize winners Bruce. Two more editions of The Edinburgh Football Club (founded in 1858) went from by the Rector. The essay subject chosen for Academy List appeared in 1964 and in 1974 strength to strength. The Academical Cricket 1919 was Only Education Will Make Democracy (the 150th Anniversary of the Academy) Club Foot-Races, soon to become the annual Safe, which seems topical! and the last printed version appeared in Academy Games, were first held at Raeburn 1995. Present GDPR legislation may prevent Place in 1858 and the Inter-Scholastic Into the 20th century another being put into the public domain. Games (a forerunner to today’s Scottish As The Edinburgh Academy Register 1824–1914 The Club also published One Hundred Years Schools’ Championships) started in 1866 (published in 1914 by T & A Constable for at Raeburn Place (1954) and the Football Club and continued at Raeburn Place until 1873. The Edinburgh Academical Club) puts it: produced a centenary volume The Edinburgh At this point, Rector Harvey objected on the “After manifesting all the symptoms of senile Academical Football Club History (1958). grounds that the boys might be tempted decay, it [the Academical Club] rose like a to take part in sports for pecuniary gain! In phoenix from its ashes in 1900.” In 1900, the The last 50 years 1871, International Rugby Football started Academical Cricket and Football Clubs were From the Club’s inception, members were life at Raeburn Place with Academicals incorporated into the reconstituted expected to pay an annual subscription. In playing important roles both on and off Academical Club and newly affiliated clubs 1970, when I joined, it was five shillings. For the field. such as the Golf Club were established. this, Academicals received The Chronicle and Activities in Edinburgh included major notification of Club events such as dinners The introduction of Class Clubs reunions and the jamborees of 1906 and and the Annual Ball. Other associated clubs During the latter half of the 19th century, 1911, before war changed perspective established earlier in the 20th century, Class Clubs took off in a big way and set in and priorities. including the London Academical Club, the train the opportunity for old boys’ reunions, Oxford University Academical club, the a tradition that the School and the During the First World War, 1,539 Cambridge University Academical Club Academical Club adopted later, during Academicals served their country and and many overseas clubs, continued to the 1890s, and continue to support to the 303 lost their lives. In 1915, a committee hold regular reunion events. The practice present day. Class Clubs were traditionally of the Club coordinated the Edinburgh of subscriptions was discontinued in 1990, established by leavers to honour their former Academical Ambulance Fund, which enabled however, when it was decided that all leavers class masters as, until 1886, the practice the purchase of two Motor Ambulances would be enrolled free of charge. Staff of five was for one master to have responsibility for for service in France. In 1917, following the or more years’ service were also enrolled as the same boys from Geits to IVths, and then recommendation of Rector Ferard, the members. The distribution of The Chronicle to assist the Rector in the boys’ continuing Court of Directors and the Academical Club was restricted to those currently at school education until they left school. One of the unanimously supported the proposal for an and a new annual magazine, The Academical, very first clubs established was the Cumming appeal to raise funds for a War Memorial. was started in 1993 to reflect Rector John Class Club in honour of James Cumming, Many Academicals and friends contributed Rees’s vision of embracing the broad Classics Master from 1825–46. Those in his generously towards the fund, which was Academy and Academical community. class of 1841–46 held a preliminary meeting used to erect a new Gymnasium and on 23 February 1850 at the Café Royal, commemorative bronze plaques to the As we approach the bicentenary of the Edinburgh, and agreed to ‘… promote good fallen. Additional plaques were subsequently Academy in 2024, we can reflect on the feeling generally among members of the added to commemorate the 177 men (out of extraordinary number of Academicals who Class… and to testify the respectful regard 1,817 serving Academicals) who were killed have helped their old school in innumerable which they cherish their former teacher.’ in action during the Second World War. The ways. Mention may be made of the many Thereafter, meetings and dinners became centenary of the Academy was celebrated in dedicated individuals who have returned to regular occurrences with funds raised for 1924, only a year after the opening of the teach and/or to become Directors.
THE ACADEMICAL / 28 27 GLOBAL ACADEMICALS THE ACADEMICAL COMMUNITY IS A GLOBAL ONE AND WE CURRENTLY HAVE 29 ACADEMICAL REPRESENTATIVES ACROSS THE WORLD. WHEREVER YOU GO, YOU’LL NEVER BE FAR FROM YOUR EA FAMILY!
UK Argyll & Bute David Bowen (EA 1953–64) Birmingham Robert Scott (EA 1969–82) Birmingham Lachlan Stewart (EA 2008–15) Yorkshire Struan Gunn (EA 1972–85) London Colin Cunningham (EA 1954–61) London James Munro (EA 1997–2010) London Charles Runcie (EA 1966–76)
NORTH AMERICA & CANADA Los Angeles Mohammed Abed (EA 1989–92) Boston Fraser Gillies (EA 1999–2010) San Francisco Alistair Dorward (EA 1973–86) New York Grace O’Dwyer (EA 2003–05) Ottawa Peter Sloan (EA 1946–59)
AFRICA Kenya Tom Ogilvie-Graham (EA 1969–77)
AUSTRALIA Melbourne Ben Apted (EA 1987) Sydney Nicola Macbeth (EA 2008–10)
NEW ZEALAND Welllington Murray Thomson (EA 1975–81)
Why not become a Global Academical Representative in your part of WHERE IN the world, providing a welcome connection for Accies on the move? THE WORLD We are particularly interested in hearing from Accies of all ages who are currently living in Canada, the East Coast of the USA, ARE YOU? South America, South Africa and Europe.
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EUROPE ASIA FRANCE Xavier Dennery (EA 1979–80) BANGKOK David Alexander (EA 1971–84) FRANCE Alan Geddes (EA 1954–60) DUBAI Rodger Dickson (EA 1972–79) FRANCE Emmanuel Vivet (EA 1989–90) HONG KONG Ken Carnduff (EA 1978–88) ITALY Colin Jamieson (EA 1967–80) JORDAN Henry T Wooster (EA 1978–78) UKRAINE John Harris (EA 1953–57) KUALA LUMPUR Hector Cook (EA1984–97) SHANGHAI Catherine Kellett (EA 1986–88 ) SINGAPORE Elizabeth Burnett (EA 1996–98) SOUTH EAST ASIA Stephen Kreppel (EA 1951–64)
ARE YOU Please contact the Edinburgh Academy Development & Alumni Relations Office INTERESTED? +44 (0) 131 624 4958 [email protected]
THE ACADEMICAL / 28 29 SPORTS CLUBS A round up of the 2018/19 sporting year from our Academical Cricket, Curling, Football and Golf Clubs
EDINBURGH ACADEMICAL including the heroic feat of winning three consecutive CRICKET CLUB promotions, will focus on 2019 was another progressive year for developing Academicals Academicals as the 1st XI came within a 3rd XI, as the club looks whisker of Premiership promotion and the to grow and continue its 2nd XI solidified their position in Division 2. success in 2020.
Academicals 1st XI Special thanks go to Andrew Cosh (EA 1994–03) led the President Charles Academicals for his fifth season as Captain, Robertson (EA 1972–85) and was one of the highest run-scorers in for his commitment and the Baillie Gifford Championship, scoring dedication and thanks also 356 runs with an average of 35.6. Andrew’s go to Cricket Master Ryan top score of 94* guided Academicals to an Sales (EA Staff 2008– 8-wicket win against Dunnikier. Omais present) for organising Altaf also featured highly in the leading 21 wickets, including two 4-wicket hauls this year’s traditional fixture between the run-scorers, accumulating 305 runs with against Edinburgh and Dunnikier. Farooq Academicals and the school XI, which was an average of 38.13 and a top score of 86 also made valuable contributions with the played in great spirits and highlighted some against Grange, while newcomer Ankush bat, scoring 111 runs. Adnan Ali took 16 very promising players. Another objective Gandhi produced some exceptional wickets and, together with Farooq, created for 2020 is to develop the Academicals performances with the bat, scoring a formidable bowling partnership. Abhishek junior section and increase opportunities 183 runs with an average of 26.14, including Manjunath bowled superb spin and took for aspiring cricketers. Finally, thanks to the a match-winning 79* against Freuchie. 9 wickets with best figures of 3-1 against school for their continued support, and the Dunnikier. Newfield groundsmen for producing the All-rounder Max Banks (EA 2002–07) opened highest-rated pitch in the Championship this the batting, scoring 173 runs with an average Academicals 2nd XI year, after Scotland’s international ground. of 34.60, and made 50s in wins against Academicals 2nd XI, captained by Ankit Andrew Cosh (EA 1994–2003) Morton and Kelso. Max also opened the Sehgal, secured their position in Division 2, Captain bowling, taking 8 wickets and best figures finishing mid-table. Kunal Pawar top scored of 3-27 against Carlton. Academicals with 218 runs, and Syed Kabir was the leading wicket-taker, Farooq Muhammad, leading wicket taker with 18. Ankit Sehgal, For further information, please contact had an outstanding season taking who has led the 2nd XI for five seasons, www.edinburghacciescricket.com
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EDINBURGH ACADEMICAL FOOTBALL CLUB Promotion into the Premiership for season 2018/19 proved to be extremely tough, although we did end the season on a more positive note, beating Watsonians and Hawick at Raeburn Place, to go undefeated at home in 2019. The physicality of the Premiership took its toll and we had to use considerably more players in the 1sts across the season than the 39 we had used in 2017/18. In contrast, both the 2nd and 3rd XVs were promoted. The 2nds won 16 of their 18 matches to finish second and the 3rds fulfilled all but one of their fixtures, winning 17 matches and scoring over 100 points in three of those. 79 players turned out for the 3rds, which was a significant achievement.
Premiership focus As a result of the introduction of Super 6, although our 1st XV retained its place in the restructured Premiership for 2019/20, we have lost 10 players to Super 6 (including Academicals Ronan EDINBURGH ACADEMICAL Seydak, Rory Jackson, Jack Mann and Harry Paterson) and another five through relocation (including Rory Simpson). As a result of that CURLING CLUB we have had to rebuild our squad for this season. Our aim is for our This season saw an influx of new players, including Sandy Ramsay 1st and 2nd XVs to reach at least the play-offs in their respective (EA 1965–75), Brian Robertson (EA 1964–73), and Peter Watson (EA leagues and for our 3rd XV to play every fixture. With more than 1963–76). This enhanced the League and also made our interclub 150 registered players, we will do all we can to achieve this. matches more competitive. 2018/19 was a most enjoyable year, and we enjoyed success in the interclub matches. Our rinks were Trevor From Golden Oldies to Kings of the Sevens Dodds (skip), Sean Murphy, Euan Macfie (EA 1950–58), and Sandy Our veteran’s side – or Golden Oldies – for those aged 35 plus who Young; Dick Scott (skip), John Lang (EA 1958–66), Brian Robertson, still want to get their boots dirty, was formed at the start of the and Hugh Lees (EA1953–59). Hopefully we can attract more Accies 2018/19 season. The squad trained regularly and played two fixtures, to play in our league and other matches next season. Experts and including one against a touring French side, and we plan to have beginners all welcome! more fixtures this season.
Competitions Our continued enthusiasm for Sevens was rewarded in April with The rinks were evenly matched for the League and the result a win at Gala and a closely fought final against London Scottish at depended on Hugh Lees’ rink winning their final match. However, Melrose. We also achieved third place in the ‘Kings of the Sevens’ they were defeated by Euan Macfie’s rink, and relegated to third league for the second year running. spot. Euan’s rink were second, and Dick Scott’s rink were this year’s winner of the Salvesen Quaich. We enjoyed a good turnout for the Club and School connections Pairs Competition with eight players attending. Each rink played Our relationship with the Academy continues to build, with two ends against the other three pairs and the winners were Hugh increasing numbers of Academicals training and playing at the Club, Lees and Sandy Ramsay. This year, the Points Competition was won as well as involvement from the EA pupils and parents in Accies Minis by our second-oldest member, 83-year-old Nigel Malcolm-Smith, and BATs. The annual Ed Saunders’ Cup fixture between BATs and proving that age is no bar to curling ability! Finally, in the King George the Academy in March was won by the Academy, with both teams IV Trophy, Accies were leading by one shot going into the last end. putting on a good display. We hope the connection between the However, the last stone by the opposition skip dashed our hopes, Club, the School and the Academical community will continue taking out our stone to win the match. to strengthen.
Interclub Matches Frank Spratt (EA 1966–76) Our Interclub match against Heriots involved Dick Scott (skip), Sandy Executive Chairman Young, Sandy Ramsay and Euan Macfie. Despite trailing with two ends to play, they managed to win the last two ends and run out For further information, please contact winners. For the Watsonians match, we were very grateful to two of www.edinburghaccies.com our illustrious Accie curlers who joined us, namely Trevor Dodds (EA 1963–74) and Sean Murphy (EA1970–82). Their rink overwhelmed the opposition rink by 13 shots to 2 and one of our regular players described it as a ‘masterclass in curling’. Our second rink fared less well, losing by 5 shots. This resulted in a win for Accies as the shots for and against were well in our favour, allowing us to win the Anderson-Crerar Bowl for the first time since 2005.
John Lang (EA 1958–66) Hon Secretary
For further information, please contact [email protected]
THE ACADEMICAL / 28 31 EDINBURGH ACADEMICAL GOLF CLUB First, it is an honour and a privilege to assume the mantle of Captain of EAGC. For some 30 odd years I have been a beneficiary of all the Club has to offer and it’s high time I put something back in! The club is in rude health and we compete across a wide range of competitions with verve, panache and (occasionally) great skill, as well as offering a hive of social activity with fixtures on and off the course. Much of this success is down to the commitment and organisational abilities of a strong core of members, including our committees past and present. Immediate past Captain, Brian Hay Smith, deserves special mention and thanks, as do Messrs Summers, Parrott, Paterson-Brown, Dalrymple, Bryce, Armstrong, Lamond, Simson, Macdonald, Smith and McGlynn. It’s hard to convey the degree of camaraderie, fun and sporting challenge that EAGC offers, so Accies of all stripes and handicaps are warmly invited to come and see for themselves! Membership is a snip at £35 per annum and free to those under 30. encourage younger pupils to learn the ropes we went one better and lifted the much- Developing young talent and rudiments of the swing in short sessions vaunted Scottish Wayfarers’ trophy at Elie My aspiration as Captain is to cement and after school. Bruntsfield are keen to help us in traditional, equinoctial King Lear like enhance links with the School and immediate with tuition, as is Andy Utterson, Manager of conditions. It has been some years since alumni and to work with both. Our teams the EA Sports Hall, who revels in a handicap Accies last prevailed in this. Bravo! have performed nobly and well in the white of +2. There is also the prospect of low heat of competition and it is time to foster cost temporary membership at Bruntsfield Next, the annual apogee of alumni golf. A and incorporate more new talent, as so many or further tuition there over the summer strong side performed adroitly in the Halford other schools are now doing. The starting holidays. Meanwhile, for up and coming Hewitt Cup, bolstered by the exceptional point is to further improve the golfing offer pupils, both the Addis and Bryce Cups talents of Joe Lockie and Nick Peoples. at the School and we hope this will appeal to beckon at school, a valuable adjunct to any After a strong run, Accies eventually lost both parents and pupils. university entrance application! out 3:2 to Loretto in the quarter finals. The Cyril Gray, an amateur team competition EAGC has been instrumental in helping Notable events for over 50s played at Worplesdon, Surrey to set up nets at the Senior School and Firstly, the inaugural Jock Younie Quaich, in in June, has been the locus of greatness in provide tuition through the assistant pro at memory of a much loved and much missed the past and this year included a superb Bruntsfield. We hope to build on this at the EAGC stalwart, is awarded to the winners victory against Fettes before we lost in the Junior School too and, with the support of of the annual match versus the school at semi-final against Rossall, 2-1. As always, the Bursar, to help with the reconstruction Bruntsfield. Honours were even this year a great week was had by all. Sadly, Accies of a large shed facing onto the sports field (2 points all) and duly served, alongside failed to qualify for the Grafton Morrish to provide four all-weather bays/nets and appropriate post match victuals. Secondly, after last year’s heroic antics at Mortonhall and, despite the strong incentive of a trip to Brancaster and Hunstanton, the team was outstripped by the usual local suspects and we were unable to repeat last year’s exceptional feat of winning the Edinburgh Trophy. We also reached the semi-final of the Queen Elizabeth tournament at Royal Burgess in September, narrowly losing the deciding match to a birdie down the 19th. Congratulations to the highly capable Merchiston side who went on to win. All in all, a very strong effort on the course this year!
Michael MacPhee (EA 1969–82) Captain 2019–20
For further information, please contact www.edinburghacciesgolf.com
32 WWW.EDINBURGHACADEMY.ORG.UK The Watt Trust
The Watt Trust was set up in 1983, in Over the years we have helped with a number of projects, ranging from the ordinary to the extraordinary. memory of Rob Watt and his wife Barbara. Academical recipients during 2018/19 included: Rob Watt, a distinguished Fettesian, was Rector of the Edinburgh Academy between ELISE HALLER SHANNON (EA 2001–03) Elise is a qualified and practicing music teacher and freelance 1951 and 1962. The purpose of the Trust is composer. She received a grant to support her PhD Research to give financial help to past and present Degree at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and The members of both the Edinburgh Academy University of St Andrews to explore the experience and place of women within contemporary music. and Fettes, to enable them to advance their education or professional training beyond ARABELLA MACKIE HOPE (EA 1998–2000) the point at which public funds or university Arabella is an established and internationally exhibited artist. She received a grant to support the research and scholarships are available, or when private development of a new large scale project, which will be or family sources alone are not quite exhibited in Berlin, about the use and impact of soap, adequate for the purpose. explored through painting, sculptural elements, light and text.
We welcome applications for any kind of financial need you may experience as you complete your education or training. Your project may be spectacular or it may be mainstream, but if you’re genuinely short of funds, please consider applying to the Watt Trust.
For further information please contact Anna Bennett at [email protected] or telephone 0131 220 3249.
This Outfit for under Hector Russell 1881 Highland Dress £560 Outfitters Highland Dress Hire Experienced and Knowledgeable GROOMS Consultants HIRE FREE 95 Princes Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2ER with any TEL: 0131 225 3315 5 Full Hires 131-141 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SC TEL: 0131 558 1254 110 Buchanan Street, Glasgow, C1 2JN TEL: 141 221 0217 www.hector-russell.com Raeburn Place FOUNDATION
As the last edition of The Academical went to press, the main contract work at Raeburn Place had just started. This was a significant milestone for the redevelopment project and it has been rewarding to see the building taking shape.
Frank Spratt (EA 1966–76) EAFC President
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ompletion of this stage of the work is scheduled for November 2019 and thereafter the commercial units will be handed over to the tenants, who will complete their own fit-outs. It is anticipated that the businesses will open at varying times during Spring 2020. Now that these works are nearing completion, it is possible to see how the front of the building is set back in line with the front of the Raeburn House Hotel. An open, landscaped boulevard is being created between the shop fronts and the existing pavement, providing an enhanced local environment. Once the rentals start to flow in, the Raeburn Place Foundation (RPF) will become financially self-sustaining and this means the groups we support will have an income stream they can rely on – enabling them to extend their reach – as well as the use of grounds and facilities that will be maintained to the highest standard.
Our fundraising is currently focused on the next stage of the development, which consists of the main building entrance and the Museum of International Rugby. Our attention will then move to the sporting facilities along Portgower Place. In the meantime, clubs and sports groups using Raeburn Place will have access to new changing rooms under the Comely Bank Road section of the stand. These will be a Rugby World Cup would be able to name 150th Anniversary marked improvement on the facilities that Raeburn Place as the venue of the first 27 March 2021 marks 150 years since have been available in portacabins for the international? By establishing a museum that Scotland and England played the first past 12 years. accurately reflects the ground’s uniqueness, international rugby match at Raeburn Place. RPF will help to spread awareness by The Edinburgh Academical Football Club The Museum of International Rugby providing a visitor attraction worthy of (EAFC) is planning a year-long celebration Celebrating and promoting the unique Raeburn Place’s status. The museum will of rugby to mark the anniversary and raise sporting heritage of Raeburn Place is central chart the story of the development of rugby public awareness of Raeburn Place. This will to our plans. RPF has engaged Studio as a global sport and the significant role include an anniversary match and dinner MB, an Edinburgh-based exhibition and Raeburn Place has played in the history of on 27 March itself, as well as various other interpretative design agency, to design the the game and it will highlight and explain games and events throughout 2021. EAFC will museum concept and we are very excited the major stories within international release more details as events are confirmed. by their initial suggestions which we’ve rugby, in both historical and cultural terms. shared here. The early history, in particular, features many Academicals who were the catalysts While the global significance of Raeburn for the establishment and evolution of For further information about the Place in terms of sporting heritage terms international rugby. With expected visitor redevelopment of Raeburn Place or is recognised by academics and rugby numbers conservatively estimated at around to support our museum plans in history buffs, it is not so well known to the 60,000 per year, the museum will also any way, please contact general public. For instance, how many of increase tourist footfall in Stockbridge, with [email protected] the millions of people watching the current associated benefits for local businesses.
THE ACADEMICAL / 28 35 Events EAC Class of 2018 Leavers’ Drinks & REUNIONS Hectors | 19 December 2018 A round up of the Academical As more than 25 Accies gathered at get-togethers that took place Hectors in Stockbridge for the Leavers’ during 2018/19 Drinks, it was lovely to have the opportunity to meet with the rest of our year group and talk to friends who had begun university, embarked on their gap year or started working. It was very relaxed and good to hear everyone’s first experience of life out of school – and it was fantastic to have some of the teachers join us too! This event will be repeated for the leavers of 2019, so let’s hope to see as many of them as there were of us! Isla Barnes (EA 2008–18)
EAC London Networking Business Breakfast & EAC London Drinks The Tokenhouse | 14 March 2019 EAC Edinburgh Drinks Le Di-Vin | 22 November 2018 Few reasons will force me out of bed This warm and relaxed evening (which went extra early on a weekday, but one on into the wee small hours!) welcomed over would certainly be the chance to 45 former pupils of all generations as well as have a delicious bacon roll (or two) former and current teaching staff. I’d like to in the company of interesting people thank the EAC Council, on behalf of everyone in interesting surroundings. I did just who attended, for their efforts in arranging that when London Accies, young and such a successful event. old, attended a breakfast networking Alison Wardrop (EA Staff 2016–present) event held at The Tokenhouse. The chat flowed as easily as the tea, coffee and fruit juice, with 25 acquaintances made or renewed, working lives compared Rector’s Christmas Drinks and business cards exchanged. It was Main Hall | 14 December 2018 great fun and the perfect start to a working day. For those Accies not able This was a very nostalgic evening for me and to be there in the morning, there was it was a pleasure to meet the new Rector for another chance to assemble at the end the first time, although I feel I took up much of the day with over 50 Accies joining us of his time chatting about ‘my journey’ since for drinks at the same excellent venue. arriving at the School in October 1944! 75 Let’s hope this event becomes a regular years ago – can it really be that long? The occurrence, to further strengthen Main Hall remains a very ionic venue and, in Accie bonds. these days of staggeringly rapid change, it Charles Runcie (EA 1966–76) was refreshing to experience something that has remained virtually unchanged over the years. I remembered where I sat for morning prayers and could even visualise the masters in their gowns and Mr Howells (EA Staff 1945– 58), the Music Master, sitting upstairs at the organ as everyone awaited the arrival of the Rector and the Ephor who was to read the lesson. Apart from enjoying the atmosphere, it was nice to meet and reminisce with some of my contemporaries – looking, perhaps like myself, ‘just a little bit older’! I feel it is extremely important to continue to promote and preserve the ethos of the School through events such as this. John Brown (EA 1944–51)
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Classes of 1980–90s Reunion Main Hall | 27 April 2019
Until this year, I’d always avoided reunions As many schools in the UK are forced to ageless. There was still the stage with the – the feeling that you’d have to account cut Music and Art, we were glad to see the exit at the back through which four of us for yourself and defend the choices you’ve Academy still values these subjects with had charged at the end of prayers, dressed made; the fear lurking at the back of the art rooms expanded into what were in black, wearing balaclavas and wielding your mind that you’d somehow come up the exam rooms in Donaldson’s. Equally baseball bats, to publicise the upcoming 6th short. But following the 50 milestone, and impressive, to one former art student, was Form Review. I’m not sure you’d get away several sudden passings of friends and that the school authorities had managed with that these days. Actually, to be honest, acquaintances, the Classes of 1980–90s to get the printing press up the stairs! (A it still surprises me we got away with it then! Reunion seemed the perfect opportunity to Columbian Press, he believes.) The School finally make a return to the School. Archive is now organised out of the old The evening finished, in suitable fashion, in house in Donaldson’s of Rev Howard Haslett a Stockbridge pub, much changed from the A good turnout of 94 former teachers and (EA School Chaplain 1973–99). Some found one it had been when we used to frequent it. pupils ignored the rather dreich spring it strange being in there, given that in times One thing that has never changed, however, weather for a trip down memory lane and, past it normally meant you’d been guilty of is the impossibility of finding a taxi after as Nelson Mandela once wrote: “There some sort of misdemeanour and needed midnight. Feet aching from wearing leather is nothing like returning to a place that to be set on the ‘right path’. The old photos shoes (working from home, some days I remains unchanged to find the ways in which that were projected during dinner are never make it out of slippers) and miserable you yourself have altered.” While we’d all stored here and the work of Hon Archivist, from the persistent Edinburgh drizzle, we certainly changed in the many years since Andrew McMillan (EA 1960–70), to prepare stood waiting for a good 10 minutes before our schooldays – less hair, hearing and this slideshow, was much appreciated by Charles Robertson and Pete Brown (EA haleness; more weight, wrinkles and, I hope, everyone. It was the Gym, of all things, 1972–83) decided to start walking to “see if wisdom – the old place wasn’t without its that seemed relatively untouched and we can catch one at Canonmills”. I suspected improvements too. immediately recognisable A new floor a ruse for walking all the way home to Trinity, perhaps and, in a move that would horrify so stood my ground and demanded we order On the outside, the buildings still stood our rugby-loving Gym Master, Jake Young one. They shrugged and set off down the hill. stolid and austere against the Scottish (EA Staff 1966–93), what appeared to be “You never heard of the sharing economy?” I elements, but most have been updated football goals. The Gym’s lack of change was shouted at their retreating backs. inside to reflect the demands of the 21st reassuring proof to some that we are not century or have been demolished altogether. that ancient. “Luddites,” I muttered and began furiously The 1909 science block of iodine-smelling trying to download Uber before staring up labs and wooden benches scarred by the The tour ended with a gathering in the Dundas Street, just as I had done each day careless flames of Bunsen burners, has been Main Hall for a good dinner (certainly better so many years before, looking forlornly for replaced with a sparkling new science block, than anything I tasted in the Senior School a number 23 bus to wend its way down the the James Clerk Maxwell Science Centre, Dining Hall in my eight years here) with hill. But suddenly a taxi passed on the other where we enjoyed welcome drinks, canapés lively conversation and misremembered side of the road, swung round and came to a and a concise but warm speech by the reminiscences. This beautiful oval-shaped stop beside me. A familiar face appeared at then president of the Academicals, auditorium – the venue for years of the passenger window: “Get in Watson!” Well, Charles Robertson (EA 1972–85). morning prayers, school concerts, house what are old school mates for if not to come competitions, plays and end-of-year back and pick you up once in a while? exhibitions – remains untouched and Nick Watson (EA 1972–85)
THE ACADEMICAL / 28 37 much of their Saturday evening to show us 1988–89 Leavers’ 30 Year Reunion around, take photographs and pipe us round Dining Hall | 1 June 2019 to the Dining Hall. Huge thanks also must go to Hon Archivist, Andrew McMillan (EA A few months earlier, on the train from 1960–70) who laid on an incredible display East Lothian to Edinburgh, Jamie Bennett of memorabilia from our days at school. (EA 1976-89) was openly very apprehensive about the evening ahead. We were on our In total, 30 people attended the reunion, a way to meet his old ‘partner in crime’ Philip pretty impressive turnout. Numbers were Morrison (aka Boozo) (EA 1976–89) and it boosted when I posted on the group chat was both 30 years since we had all been at that a well-known entertainer had agreed to school together and almost 30 years since be the main speaker. It was a bit of a gamble the two had last met. While they’d been close as no booking had actually been made but at school, clearly life had changed so would thankfully Robbie McRobbie (EA 1981–89) they still get on? Would they have anything did make the journey all the way from Hong in common, or even anything to talk about Kong and, as always, he did not disappoint. any more? Many other former pupils travelled from London and further afield to help make this Within seconds, the laughter commenced an unforgettable evening. and the stories began to flow. Could they still find some common ground? Of course What made the reunion really special for they could! Regardless of how much life has me was the diverse range of ex-pupils that changed, we all share a special bond – we are attended. It wasn’t your ‘usual suspects’, all Accies. It really didn’t seem like 30 years but a wonderful mix of people all with that had passed – it was more akin to leaving special bond that will never leave us. We school on a Friday and meeting up for a drink are all Accies! on the Saturday. The smiles never ceased all Nigel Douglas (EA 1975–89) evening and our bellies ached with laughter. So, on the train back to East Lothian, Jamie set me the task of organising a 30 year reunion for our whole year. I duly accepted the challenge and the planning began.
With social media, the task was much easier than I had expected and soon the Messenger group chat numbers began to grow and grow. It was at that point, I knew I’d have to get serious and set a date and find a venue. The venue choice was obvious, Henderson Row, and by that I didn’t mean Hamiltons. There was no more fitting a venue than the old Dining Hall and I cannot thank Alison Wardrop and the School enough for the help and support they provided.
The reunion started with a tour of the School, which was very well received by all, and I’d like to thank the pupils who sacrificed
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present because they clearly did not wish younger than their former pupils! Here, we 1969–70 Leavers’ 50 Year Reunion to remember their days at the Academy. were formally greeted by the Rector, the Robertson Room | 7 June 2019 To be fair, it was a different time and place Head Ephor, who spoke eloquently, and back then, strict corporal punishment the Vice President of the Academical Club, The saying goes, “If you can remember the administered by staff and Ephors, a large Colin Innes (EA 1972–86), who welcomed us, sixties, you really weren’t there.” Was that boarding contingent and boys only. before we were piped across the Yards to a why we silver-haired or folically-challenged splendid dinner in the Donaldson Buildings. Academicals, with expanding waistlines, The changes to the School were immediately all assembled at Henderson Row in June? evident upon our arrival as we were greeted It was wonderful to see old friends again, talk Were we seeking reassurance for our failing by bright, confident pupils of both sexes of the past and catch up with the present. memories? who took us in small groups on a tour of the Old sporting victories were relived, boarding School and patiently put up with our riveting house memories evoked, and great hill The sixties spirit of rebellion was still tales of days gone by. Some places, such walking trips and sailing jaunts remembered. alive, some even provoked by the uncool as the Main Hall, Gym and Dining Hall were Whatever our individual memories of the dress code. familiar while others, such as the Donaldson School were, the overpowering emotion “Lounge suit and tie? Preposterous!” said one. Buildings, were not. At the latter, Hon was one of enjoyment of such longstanding “They are not telling me what to wear!” Archivist, Andrew McMillan (EA 1960–70), friendships. said another. had put together an impressive display of “I don’t have a suit!” said a third. photos and memorabilia, which captured our After dinner, more drinks were taken and Rebels without a clue, however, as the only time at the Academy. we all departed, promising to keep in touch one of us who had actually appeared on and wondering if we would be around for the The Old Grey Whistle Test with his band, We were then taken to the impressive James next one. The guys from the sixties, now in turned up looking immaculate in tailored Clerk Maxwell Science Centre and welcoming their sixties, had a wonderful evening, but tweed suit and tie. drinks were served while old black and white how much would be remembered? Sincere photos were projected on the wall. There thanks to the Rector, the Academical Club Sadly, far too many of our former classmates were former pupils who had travelled from and the most efficient Alison Wardrop, are now no longer with us. Gone but far and wide, some instantly recognisable Alumni Relations Officer, for pulling it all definitely not forgotten. And others couldn’t others less so until voice or visual expression together so successfully. make it due to conflicting engagements. gave the game away. Former members Sandy Burnett (EA 1959–69) Unhappily, there were also some not of staff were also present, some looking
THE ACADEMICAL / 28 39 The Academical community is a global one and connecting with Accies around the world offers a number of valuable opportunities. By joining us, through our official platform on Linked In, you’ll not only become part of an exciting and influential Academical network but you’ll be the first to hear about activities, events and reunions too. Join us today and stay connected! Join the official networking platform for alumni of the Edinburgh Academy linkedin.com/in/theacademicalclub
CONNECT GIVE BACK EXPAND GET AHEAD Find and catch Make introductions, Increase your Spot opportunities up with classmates, provide employment professional and advance your reminisce, and or act as a mentor to network and career through stay in touch graduating Accies secure useful mutual interests introductions. and connections 40 WWW.EDINBURGHACADEMY.ORG.UK CLASSES OF 1990–2000 REUNION SATURDAY 25 APRIL 2020 l 5.00–11.00PM Edinburgh Academy, Henderson Row
EAC BUSINESS NETWORKING BREAKFAST FRIDAY 22 MAY 2020 l 8.15–9.30AM More information coming soon – check the school website
CLASSES OF 1970–71 50TH ANNIVERSARY REUNION FRIDAY 12 JUNE 2020 l 5.00–11.00PM Edinburgh Academy, Henderson Row
EAC PUB QUIZ & AGM THURSDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2020 l 6.00–9.30PM AGM & EAC Pub Quiz, The Edinburgh Academy, Dining Hall, Henderson Row
EAC EDINBURGH BUSINESS BREAKFAST AND EVENING DRINKS FRIDAY 6 NOVEMBER 2020 l 1 DAY 2 EVENTS Networking Breakfast l 8.15–9.30am Evening Drinks l 6.00–8.00pm More information coming soon
EAC LONDON CLUB DINNER THURSDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2020 l 7.00–11.00PM More information coming soon – check the school website UPCOMING EVENTS
RECTOR’S CHRISTMAS DRINKS FRIDAY 11 DECEMBER 2020 l 5.00–7.00PM Edinburgh Academy, Henderson Row
CLASS OF 2016–20 LEAVERS’ CHRISTMAS DRINKS THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2020 l 5.00–7.00PM Hectors, Stockbridge, Edinburgh 2020
RSVP TO BOOK YOUR SPACE FOR ANY EVENTS 0131 624 4958 [email protected]
AS DATES CAN SOMETIMES CHANGE, FOLLOWING PUBLICATION OF THE ACADEMICAL, PLEASE CHECK THE WEBSITE FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION WWW.EDINBURGHACADEMY.ORG.UK/EVENTS ACADEMICAL STAFF WELCOME IN THE 2018/29 SESSION, WE WELCOMED THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS OF STAFF AS LIFE MEMBERS OF THE ACADEMICAL CLUB, FOLLOWING THEIR FIVE YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE SCHOOL.
Claire Black Fiona Clark Chris Gerrard Nicola Kiernan Kirsteen Laston Junior School Junior School Senior School Senior School Junior School
Jonathan Lisher Anne Russell David Trujillo-Farley Fran Walker Sara Zegleman Senior School Senior School Support Staff Senior School Junior School
Kirsty Gallacher Jenny Isherwood Gary Downie Senior School Support Staff Support Staff
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ACADEMICAL STAFF VALETE EACH YEAR, THE ACADEMICAL GIVES US THE OPPORTUNITY TO CELEBRATE THE UNIQUE AND REMARKABLE CONTRIBUTIONS MADE BY MEMBERS OF THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY, AS THEY RETIRE FROM THEIR POST OR MOVE ON TO PASTURES NEW DURING THE YEAR IN REVIEW.
Michael Gregson across all the year groups. We have had a embryonic pastoral system of Year Heads (EA 1960–70; EA Court complete governance review, including a new (Jimmy, Graham, Roger and Garry) – a team 1996–2010; 2012–19) Royal Charter, and Mike has also chaired the that has now come full circle because their Chair of the Court of Directors selection committees responsible for the office was where the Bamboo room is now. Michael (Mike) Gregson stepped down as recruitment of two Rectors. Chair of the Court of Directors at Exhibition Roger became involved in careers pretty in June 2019, after seven years leading the Since being elected as Chair, Mike has been quickly, as Middle Years Year Head, so when Court and acting as a trusted advisor to the a continuous presence at all School events, Garry moved on, John Light asked him to Rectors with whom he worked. In addition, particularly the music concerts, rugby step into the senior years job. I came into Mike supported the Academy by acting as matches and Sports Day. He has been the team at that point, as Head of IVths and Chair of the Executive Committee, Chair of a passionate, wise and utterly devoted Vths, and we worked side by side almost ever the Eric H Stevenson Charitable Trust and supporter of the Edinburgh Academy and since. I think it was Dan Stewart who once Chair of the Edinburgh Academy Foundation. the School owes him an enormous debt of said after we’d done a little double act: “If gratitude for all he has done to support us you want to know what Ant and Dec will look Having previously sat on the Court of over the last 23 years. like when they’re old has-beens, then now Directors from 1996 to 2010, Mike returned you know.” to the Academy as Chair in 2012, bringing Barry Welsh (EA Staff 2017–present) a wealth of experience from the financial Rector Back then, as Year Heads, we still taught 20 services industry. Over the last 30 years, he plus periods of classes. We rarely got to the has held a number of senior management bottom of anything and the decision-making roles within various investment houses and was faster and probably much less effective. banks. He worked for State Street Bank “You messed up?” “Yes.” “Two-hour Friday.” in Edinburgh and London and has been a “Ok.” “Next!” From there it was a short trustee of a number of charities. Mike was Roger Wightman stagger to joining the SMT. Although Roger educated at the Academy, along with his (EA Staff 1991–2019) went down the academic route as Director of two brothers, and went on to read Electrical Deputy Rector Studies and I remained on the pastoral side, and Electronic Engineering at the University The Wightmans are a close family and some it was clear to me, right from the start, that I of Manchester. His two sons were also of you know or may have met his children, could never have managed what he did yet, educated at the Academy and both have Jamie and Katie, when Roger had his photo all the time, I knew he could have done my successful careers as professional musicians. exhibition in Summer Term, 2019. I know that job standing on his head. Roger came into get-togethers and trips will form a big part teaching to help kids and so has always taken During Mike’s time as Chair, we have built of Roger’s retirement planning and this will the GIRFEC approach with the pupil right at the MacTavish Wing at the Junior School, probably come in the form of a particularly the heart of every decision. He has been an completed a string of projects at New Field, complicated spreadsheet. I also know that amazing ally of the pastoral team over the refurbished most of the classrooms at his wife, Fiona, is looking forward to spending past decade. Henderson Row, spent £1.5m on roofs, more time with Roger but I have to say that started on a fundamental upgrade of the after just over 23 years of working with him, Roger didn’t actually invent the spreadsheet, heating system and made a series of it’s not all it’s cracked up to be! but the way he talks about them you’d think structural changes to safeguard both that he did. I’ve lost count of the number campuses for the future. Most significantly, Roger joined the Academy in 1991 (I’ll just let he has created and it must be quite a Mike has stewarded the move away from any millennials pick their lower jaws off the thought that when he has retired people boarding with the sale of the boarding floor – that is 28 years or 84 terms) and came will say: “That was one of Roger’s. He did houses, has provided guidance around the from an industrial background where he was love a spreadsheet – just look at the way he Eric H Stevenson Charitable Trust following working in seismic hazards – perhaps a has merged those cells and resized those that transformational gift to the school, and predictable move. He tells me he has columns.” What a legacy. has provided oversight of the Academy’s survived five Rectors, all of whom have had move to becoming fully co-educational an impact on him and his career. John Rees When I first arrived at the Academy, Roger’s as well as the move to the ‘96 model’ and was the one who asked Roger (along with Gill teaching lab (along with the other labs in strategic growth of the school roll. We have Arbuthnot and Val Bland) to introduce PSHE the Physics Department) was where the sold Blair House but, at the same time, (Personal, Social and Health Education) to Magnusson Centre is today and roughly expanded outdoor education opportunities EA. That was quickly followed by the where its centre stage is now. The labs have
THE ACADEMICAL / 28 43 gone but the work that Roger has done, and certainly continued under Gioia’s leadership. of Engineering as well as Mathematics. His the friendships he has created and sustained In her time we saw performances of Thirteen, interests include hill walking and a wide with pupils and staff, mean that in fact he Sherlock Holmes, Jekyll and Hyde, The Lion, range of sports, demonstrated already by has always been centre stage and definitely the Witch and the Wardrobe, Teachers, Alice, regular appearances for Academical XVs.” one of our leading players. It is not just what Charley, Journey’s End, Beauty and the Beast, Roger has done or what he said, but how he The Crucible and finally, The Taming of the Dave Buckley, the previous Head of Maths, has made us all feel that has been the most Shrew. Looking at the range of productions, it writes: “The word that comes to mind when I important thing. I won’t remember Roger for goes without saying that we saw explosions think about Mike is ‘stalwart’. Time and again, the spreadsheets, I’ll remember him because of colour and fun that were a joy to behold, during his 28 years at the Academy, he has he was kind, because he cared deeply and but also productions that were challenging stepped in to tackle unglamorous tasks or to because he made me laugh. and dark. shoulder problems, often of others’ making. Mike Bryce (EA Staff 1996–present) Two and a half years after joining, he was Deputy Rector Goia was one of those colleagues who the reliable rock who saw the department would volunteer for anything, always keen through the dark days following David to support staff and the wider school Bishop’s sudden and untimely death. I also community. If the request for emergency remember days spent hill walking with him cover went out, Gioia would invariably be and he became a fixture on the annual Canal first to pitch in. She took on the role of Trips. Latterly, he took on the role of official hosting visitors to the Academy, and rumour photographer at school and many, many has it that there is a whole generation classes and sporting triumphs have been Gioia Henderson of American teachers who believe that immortalised by him.” (EA Staff 2012–19) Queen Victoria (or it might have been Mary Head of Drama Queen of Scots!) was taught to play golf on From my own perspective, Mike was ever- Gioia joined the Academy in August 2012 Donaldson’s lawn. Goodness knows what helpful and a real rock to turn to as our first ever full-time Drama teacher, else they were told, but no doubt they left when I first came to the Academy. He has following the retirement of Graeme Trotter, the Academy smiling and impressed by the always been ready to volunteer to take on who had juggled the dual demands of impact the school has had on the world. numerous departmental matters over the English and Drama for many years. When we years, such as SCOTVEC and IGCSE, and of appointed Gioia, we knew she would bring Gioia’s life has moved on in recent years late made a huge impact on our brightest dynamism and energy to the post, and we and wonderful things have happened with students, tutoring them in Mechanics for would be getting someone who would shake marriage to Fraser, followed by the birth of Cambridge Entrance – a daunting task the tree a little – and she certainly did that in her twin girls. It is understandable that she indeed! He has also been our Smartboard her eight years with us! has decided to put her career on hold and guru in the department, from their first commit time to her family. She goes with our introduction. However, despite being very Early on, Gioia successfully pushed the case love and thanks for all she did here to add to experienced at using IT for teaching, Mike’s for a full-time theatre technician in Martin the richness of life at the Academy. use of IT for admin is a little more variable. McCulloch and, with their combined skills on He once deleted our entire Electronic Roger Wightman (EA Staff 1991–2019) tap, the Magnusson Centre for Performing Departmental Markbook by accident, so Deputy Rector Arts became the focal point for huge latterly has sent me pupil updates by numbers of pupils, almost every lunchtime email instead. and in after school slots. Pupils learned the skills not only of acting, but also make-up, set Over the years, Mike’s provided a lot of design, direction, production and lighting. classic quotes including: “Sir, can I use Tipp-Ex?” “Decide for yourself – Tipp-Ex is Large numbers of pupils were successfully made from Baby Panda Tears.” And, “Sir, I entered for LAMDA exams. However, one of Mike Shipley don’t think I can do this Maths problem!” Gioia’s aims was to build Drama within the (EA Staff 1990–2019) “No, but I can. Hahaha!” Of course, these are curriculum and, by the time she left, it was Maths Department by now enshrined in Academy legend and firmly established as a core subject in Geits, I looked out The Chronicle for 1990 and folklore. However they belie a teacher who, IInds and IIIrds, with certificate entries at found Mike’s picture next to other new underneath a superficially gruff exterior, is National 5 climbing to over 20 in her final staff – Anne and Mark Willington (Computing the kindest of men with an enviable facility year and solid numbers at Higher too. I was and Latin), Angus Urquhart (Economics), for helping and guiding all ages and abilities. fortunate enough to have been able to visit Peter Backhouse (Music) and Sandra He also must have taught in practically Gioia in the classroom on various occasions Hennessy (DT). Mike was brought in to every classroom on the western edge of to observe her teach. Somehow, while replace Stewart Fowlie, and was employed the Main Yards! retaining complete control of the class, she four Rectors ago. Here’s an excerpt from his managed to energise the pupils and involve introductory blurb: “Mr Shipley has joined Talking to colleagues, Craig Murray them totally in the direction of lessons, their the Mathematics department, stepping also remembers Mike as a warm and welcoming input and ideas dictating how the group into the role of House Tutor in Scott House. teacher at a time when many teachers could move forward. He comes to us from two years’ teaching relationships with pupils were often far more at Scarborough College and, before that, formal and less approachable than is the Beyond the classroom, the Drama two years in the Metropolitan Police. He is, case today. Nick Armstrong recalls coaching department has always played a key role however, a native Scot, educated at Dundee the IIIrds Rugby with Mike: “Mike had clearly in providing pupils with opportunities to High School, Perth Academy and Heriot-Watt learned a lot from the likes of David Sole participate and perform, and that most University, where his course covered aspects and I can remember one training session
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with a group whose tackling was less than and went on to work in a variety of schools mould and shape those early sports teams perfect. Shippers stood up a tackle bag, in London for the next eight years. While into formidable opponents and laid the walked back about 10 metres, then moved working in London, Alice met her future foundations for the competitive sides that as fast as Usain Bolt (I kid you not) for about husband, David, with whom she shared a the Academy girls’ teams seven metres, launched himself at the tackle love of travel and adventure, which resulted have become. bag, hit it horizontally and just about cut the in them backpacking together for ten tackle bag in half. It frightened me, let alone months. When the time came to settle down On top of teaching and games coaching, the IIIrds. I think a good few of them were off and start a family, Alice and David moved to Lisa was also heavily involved in Duke of games for the following session.” Edinburgh and had four children. Raising a Edinburgh at the Academy, for many years, large family in a busy household resulted in which we all know was very close to her John Meadows remembers Mike as a a career break, but Alice’s love of working heart and an experience Lisa felt all pupils cheerfully droll character with fascinating with young children never left her and she should undertake. She gave up numerous stories of his police work and a wonderfully set up a nursery group in her house. Alice’s weekends and holidays in order to dedicate dry wit. He recalls: “One day, Mike asked me three sons, Alexander, George and Olly were herself to teaching and demonstrating to whether he missed anything in Assembly all pupils at Edinburgh Academy and her pupils the power and beauty of the great (which he used to endure somewhat) and daughter Victoria went to St George’s School outdoors, both in and around Scotland and I responded: ‘Poetry, Mike’. There was a for Girls. also through various trips around the world. deafening silence and then came the single Lisa undertook many of the overseas sports word: ‘Good’. On every occasion afterwards, I was privileged to work alongside Alice in tours, most memorably the tour to Canada when he had missed assembly, he would her early days at EA and was struck by her that featured the boys’ rugby team, and both say to me, ‘I trust I missed some poetry this insight and knowledge of child development. the boys’ and girls’ hockey teams, all at once. morning?’ and if by chance the answer was Alice’s expertise is evident to this day in all ‘Yes’, he would rub his hands, let out a fruity areas of the nursery and her quiet manner, Ever seeking greater involvement, on top exhalation, and say something like, ‘Always her care and kindness, and her support, of her already demanding roles as teacher, important to miss the poetry...’ “ understanding and encouragement of young DofE instructor and Games Coach, Lisa very learners has been second to none. much wanted to contribute to the pastoral Mike has been the backbone of the Maths side of the School. She was heavily involved department for these last 28 years in a Alice leaves the Nursery with all our love in the lower years (Geits and 2nds) for two myriad of ways, all the more remarkable with and best wishes to pursue her passion for years before moving on to the middle years looking after his son Fraser at home. He is a photography and to care for her elderly (3rds – 5ths) for her final four years with us, hugely sympathetic and sensitive individual mother in Braemar. and Lisa was instrumental in getting pupils of great sincerity and wisdom, who has through what many consider the most Paula Thomson (EA Staff 2007–present) never complained when facing adverse difficult transitional years of any young Head of Nursery circumstances and has shown no hint of person’s life. She once again excelled and self-pity. ‘Shippers’ is, I suspect, remembered the entire pastoral team continues to sing fondly by a surprising range of men now her praises. As Lisa heads away, she can in their thirties and forties and is routinely carry with her the knowledge that her good referred to as ‘the legend’. Our department work, throughout her time at the Academy, will lose a mass of experience but, more has been instrumental in supporting so importantly, a true friend with whom we’ve Lisa McWilliam many pupils through their challenging shared lots over the years. Mike will be (EA Staff 2008–19) formative years. sorely missed. PE Teacher and Assistant Year Ryan Sales (EA Staff 2008–present) Head of Middle Years Charles Brookman (EA Staff 1994–present) Head of Curricular PE Lisa joined the Academy just as the School Head of Maths was becoming fully co-educational and she was instrumental, in those early years, in bringing the girls’ sports programme in line with the boys’ sports programme as quickly The school would also like to acknowledge as possible, and also getting it up to speed a further two members of staff who left with our competitors. She played an integral during the 2018/19 session and whose Alice Ramsey part in our sports programme, coaching Valete will appear in The Academical 2021. (EA Staff 2009–19) both the first full 1st XI girls’ Hockey team for Nursery a number of years, and also becoming The Nursery said a sad goodbye to Alice at heavily involved in the athletics programme the end of the Summer Term. For the past in the Summer Term, inspiring many to join Margaret Turner ten years, she has been an integral part of in and represent the school in a number of (EA Staff 2002–19) the Edinburgh Academy Nursery Team – a disciplines. Assistant Accountant dedicated, loyal, hardworking practitioner, totally committed to the pupils in her charge. Her task was made slightly easier with the Alice has been a staff member of the Spruce unfortunate demise of St Margaret’s. The Martin McCulloch Room since 2009 and will be greatly missed Academy’s intake of girls suddenly almost (EA Staff 2014–18) by pupils, parents and staff. doubled and, at the heart of it all, was Lisa Theatre Manager leading from the front and taking on the Alice has always worked with children. She role of mentor, leader and role model. As trained at the London Montessori Centre with everything she did, Lisa managed to
THE ACADEMICAL / 28 45 ACADEMICAL ANNOUNCEMENTS What’s been happening in the Academical community? From career moves to retirements and from graduations to marriages and births, you’ll find our Accies news grouped into decades. The Development & Alumni Relations Office warmly invites you to send your news to [email protected] by end September 2020 for inclusion in The Academical 2021.
1941–1950 Anthony R Rathbone (EA 1954–60) The Chairman’s and Rector’s speeches are David J B Charles (EA 1946–46) Anthony writes: “I was looking at the recorded and you will be interested to learn David writes: “I am amazed that the EA has Academy website and recognised myself that “ The Exhibition ended with the singing kept track of me all through the years. I in one of the main photos in the photo of God Be With Us Until We Meet Again, was only at the school for one year, in the gallery, one simply labelled ‘Pupils at a the National Anthem and the traditional most junior class, in around 1945 when my Lecture’. I am in the front row, the second cheers.” / 3 parents lived in Edinburgh for a year. My pupil from the right. I have no recall of father had been at the Academy during ever going to such a well-attended lecture WW1, so I followed in his footsteps. I have in the Hall but I do have a very specific lived in South Africa, America, Surrey, memory of a prize giving in the mid 1950s 1961–1970 Sussex and now Cornwall and yet the when I was sitting in the position in the Iain S Reid (EA 1948–49, 1951–61) Academy manages to keep track of me. photo. I had not won a prize but I must In October 2019, Iain came back to EA for Most impressive. I am now 82 years old and have done quite well as I was asked to the first time since leaving the School to visit still pretty active. I hope I continue to hear lead the cheers at the end. All I had to say the Archive and identify Accies in several from the Academy for some years to come!” was: “Three cheers for the Chairman and photographs. / 4 Mrs Walker. Hip, hip, hooray!” In the days Nigel J D Duguid (EA 1951–63) Charles H Lawson–Dick (EA 1945–50) leading up to the great occasion, I used to Nigel came back to the Academy for a look Charles came back to School in November rehearse my lines. My mean elder sister, around while visiting Edinburgh for a medical 2018, with his daughter, for the first time however, kept teasing me by saying: “Three reunion from his now native Canada. He said: since leaving in 1950. He was delighted to be cheers for the Wareman and Mrs Chalker”. “I really enjoyed the visit and it was so nice shown around by EA pupils Mark Blair and Needless to say, on the day itself, I fluffed to see inside the buildings again after so Arche Bayne-Jardine and hopes to return it. I was so embarrassed I had to console many years.” again in the future. / 1 myself by crying on Miss McTavish’s shoulder! These things must go deep as I Iain R Torrance (EA 1954–63) can remember it as if it was yesterday. In July 2019, Iain was appointed Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order
1951–1960 I got in touch with Hon Archivist, Andrew (KCVO) by HM the Queen on relinquishing Michael A Cook (EA 1952–54) McMillan (EA 1960–70) to see if he could the office of Dean of the Chapel Royal Michael, Professor of Near Eastern Studies tell me more about the photograph and he in Scotland and Dean of the Order of at Princeton University, was awarded an replied: “… no one could recall when it was the Thistle. Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters from taken or what the event was – hence the the University of St Andrews in June 2019. generic ‘Pupils at a Lecture’ label. I looked David W Paterson (EA 1960–64) up The Chronicle for December 1957 and David has provided us with a report, Scotland Daniel D J Bittleston (EA 1955–56) was pleased to find reference to the Prep Win Auld Enemies Cup, which we are delighted Daniel’s son Elijah recently graduated from School Exhibition on 26 July that year. The to share here. Naval Academy in Annapolis and Daniel has Chairman was FHN Walker (EA 1908–18) been teaching in Santa Cruz California for and Mrs Walker presented the prizes. thirty years. He looks back gratefully to his time at the Academy. / 2
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“Kilspindie Golf Club members, David in 1917 and also the life of Professor W G Zambia and South Africa. He is a Life Member Paterson and Frankie Devlin, as player Greenfield MD, the father of Joseph Godwin of the Medical Society of Papua New Guinea and guide, were part of the Blind Golf Greenfield (EA 1890–94). Some years ago, (2017) and an Honorary Member of the Asian Scotland international team that played David visited J B Cleminson (EA 1954–64) Surgical Association (2015). against England and Wales in a three-day MB ChB in Harley Street, Shetland, while en international match at Royal Ashdown Forest route to Foula. He is aware that J D Clark (EA David’s research interests include surgical Golf Club in Sussex. In splendid weather, 1955–64) is encouraging Christian/ Muslim audit and performance, surgical outcomes, from 17 September, the Scots overturned a understanding and is based in Dundee. perioperative mortality, surgical history and 4-6 deficit from the first two days’ foursomes global health. He has over 180 peer reviewed and four ball matches to win the singles 6.5 Billy J Bell Birse-Stewart (EA 1965–70) publications, and he has published six to 3.5 and secure the trophy 10.5 to 9.5, In 2019, Billy was elected to the position books. In recognition of his contribution to flying back to Edinburgh with the cup. of Collector Elect of the Trade House of surgery and surgical training in Papua New Glasgow by its Trustees and in three years Guinea, he was awarded an OBE in 2012 and, The Scottish team is made up of visually will become the Deacon Convener of the in the 2018 Queen Birthday Honours, he was impaired golfers from all over Scotland – Trades House which also carries the role awarded Member of the Order of Australia. from Drumnadrochit to Maybole – with their of Third Citizen of Glasgow, involving many David is also a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow all-important guides. Blind Golf Scotland Civic events. The Trades House is a large (Port Moresby, 2000) and sits on the Editorial organises a season of events around charity which annually provides some £750k Board of World Journal of Surgery, as well as Scotland that lead to a national Order of towards worthy causes in and around the being Senior Editor for Australian and New Merit as well as training events. city. Until recently, Billy was the Visitor Zealand Journal of Surgery. / 7 (Deacon) of the Maltmen following his If you know of someone with a visual chosen profession in the wine and spirit impairment who would like to continue their industry. / 6 golfing life, or a blind or visually impaired 1971–1980 person looking for a sporting activity, please Douglas H Lawson (EA 1957–70) Niall F R Dickson (EA 1966–71) encourage them to get in touch. Novice blind Douglas writes: “In two small adjacent Earlier this year, Niall was appointed to serve golfers can become very successful. Active villages in West Norfolk, Stoke Ferry and on the NHS Assembly for England and, in members have ranged from 14 to 97 years Wereham, can be found three Accies, Julian November, was elected to the Governing of age and both male and female players are Hitchcock (EA 1966–75), Jimmy Bissett (EA Council of the International Hospital welcome. Practical support for the charity is 1952–65) and myself. Julian and his wife are Federation, representing the UK. welcomed from all sources.” in the process of moving into their new home in Wereham and Jimmy and I have properties John D O Fulton (EA 1960–72) You can contact the Blind Golf Scotland about 100 metres apart in Stoke Ferry village John has just finished his book 66 – The secretary, Gill Lowther, at gill.lowther@ centre!” House that Viewed the World with a foreword hotmail.com or by telephoning David by Alexander McCall Smith. To purchase a Paterson on 01456 459 311 / 5 David A K Watters (EA 1961–70) copy visit: https://scotlandstreetpress.com/ A Past President of the Royal Australasian product/66-the-house-that-viewed-the- David P H MacLennan (EA 1952–65) College of Surgeons (2015–16), since 2000 world/ / 8 David is currently trying to obtain Planning David has been Professor of Surgery for Permission and a Building Warrant for the Barwon Health in Geelong, initially with the Colin I C MacGregor (EA 1963–72) re-opening of the 75-bed Night Shelter University of Melbourne (2000–10) and then Colin continues to run MacEvents Event for rough sleepers in Edinburgh. He is Deakin University (2011–present), holding Management in London, which he founded in touch with W S Dunnet (EA 1953–65; the title of Alfred Deakin Professor since in 1996, designing bespoke events for Dux of 1965) who lives in the far north of August 2016. He is also Chair of the inaugural corporate and private clients. He recently Scotland. Recently he met Edward Duvall (EA Victorian Perioperative Consultative retired from the Royal Wimbledon Golf 1956–69) at an Edinburgh Doors Open Day Council (2019). David is actively engaged in Club Committee but continues to serve in Morningside Cemetery. He has researched advocating for global surgery, having spent the Hurlingham Club where he has been a the life of Captain John G Wood MC (EA almost 20 years in developing countries, Trustee for six years. Colin is still living in the 1903–08) who was killed in the battle of Ypres including Papua New Guinea, Hong Kong, brighter borough of Fulham. / 9
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THE ACADEMICAL / 28 47 Alasdair J Loudon (EA 1961–73) En route to the recent Rugby World Cup in Will E Whitehorn (EA 1965–77) After 40 years specialising in divorce work, Japan he stopped off in Hong Kong, enjoying Will writes: “I was appointed President of Alasdair retired in March 2019 from Turcan an evening at the ‘fanzone’ with Academical the UK Space Industry in late September Connell, Solicitors, where he had been a representatives Robbie McRobbie and Ken 2019. I am currently involved in the industry Partner for 18 years and Head of Family Law. Carnduff. Robbie J D McRobbie (EA 1981–89) as a director of Glasgow based AAC Clyde Although he very much enjoyed his work with is currently Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Space which makes small and miniature the firm, he felt the time had come to move Rugby Union, while Ken A Carnduff (EA 1978– cube satellites. I am also a member of on to new projects. He has kept in touch 88) is a primary classroom teacher at Hong the RAF Main Board and I chair its future with the field of family law by accepting the Kong’s Chinese International School. / 11 technologies committee. The funny Academy role of Chair of the Family Law Arbitration connection is that as a 12 year old I edited a magazine in 1972/73 with David Brown (EA Group Scotland (FLAGS) and by preparing Sarah J M Whitley (EA 1976–76) 1965–78) and we published it on the school reports as an expert witness in cases where Sarah writes: “Although I usually row in sliding premises. It was called EA Journal and in it we professional negligence is alleged against a seat Olympic class rowing boats, this summer ran competitions each month to design a car, solicitor. Alasdair has also been appointed as I ventured into St Ayles skiff coastal rowing plane, train and space ship of the future. We a Consultant to the firm of Gilson Gray and with North Berwick Rowing Club to compete became known as the Space Gang.” / 12 continues to look after the interests of clients. in the Skiffie Worlds at Stranraer. I was in the Women’s 60+ event in which there were Guy Robb (EA 1970–79) In a completely different sphere, Alasdair has over 30 entries and we won the bronze, with Guy visited from Australia in June 2019 and been appointed as a Consultant to the Cape medals presented by Princess Anne. I also even managed to join the School for our Renewable Energy Group, a London-based won my first single scull race at Castle Semple summer term Usher Hall Concert! / 13 energy company which, with the backing of regatta, Women’s Masters F category and two a major private equity company, buys up 8s events for Saint Andrew Boat Club where existing wind turbines and hydro-electric I am the President. We are launching our schemes. His role is to travel throughout campaign for a new boathouse, which 1981–1990 Scotland identifying turbines whose owners will significantly enhance the facilities the club Alastair M Learmont (EA 1972–81) may prefer to swap an income stream for a has and hope to complete building by next Alastair came for a look around EA in large capital injection. summer. Saint Andrew would welcome Accie October 2019 and was particularly pleased rowers of any age and ability.” to visit his old languages classroom. / 14 Away from the coalface, Alasdair is married to his second wife Angela, a Communications David J Collier (EA 1964–77) John L Orr (EA 1968–81) Director in London where they have a home. David has been living in Ilkley, Yorkshire, In October 2019, John came into the School He play lots of golf at Bruntsfield, Luffness, since 1999 and has two children, one now to speak with pupils and staff about his work Muirfield and Royal Wimbledon and spends at Hull University and the other doing as a senior software engineer with Google. as much time as possible with his three Accie A-Levels. He has been Finance Director at children, Susannah, Malcolm and Paul. / 10 Horton Housing Association for 20 years, an Murray M R Thomson (EA 1975–81) organisation providing supported housing Murray moved to New Zealand in 1983 Charles G Runcie (EA 1966–76) for vulnerable people across Yorkshire. and picked up an Economics Degree in After a 34-year career at the BBC, Charles is David’s main leisure activities are road Wellington. Having spent time in banking, now a self-employed media consultant. He cycling and finishing off the Scottish Munros, working in most areas of the National Bank also does event hosting, writing and PR, and the latter already completed by his brother of New Zealand, he found his way into is an active member of the EAC London Club. Peter Collier (EA 1967–80). Information Technology and made a career
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in IT management. Currently he works for Hector M H Scott (EA 1974–86) Alan R Denison (EA 1977–90) the Department of Corrections in Wellington Hector has been appointed to the new post Alan has been Professor of Medical as Deputy CIO. of Associate Head of Strings at the Royal Education and Teaching Dean for Conservatoire of Scotland, having previously Undergraduate Medicine at the University Christopher C Lipscomb (EA 1975–82) been Head of Strings at both George of Aberdeen since 2015, while remaining After nearly 11 years living and working in Watson’s College and Clifton Hall School. A clinically active as a Consultant Radiologist the Middle East, Chris returned to the UK past member of the Scottish Ensemble, he in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. In June 2019, two years ago and now lives with his wife, led the Saltire String Quartet and founded he moved to a new role in NHS Education Catalina, and young daughter, Tsarina, Two’s Company, a contemporary music Scotland as Dean of Postgraduate Medicine deep in the North Devon countryside. Chris ensemble. / 18 (Scotland Deanery) where he is responsible recently had an important addition to his for the training of doctors across Scotland, family in the form of George, a black labrador. James D Annan (EA 1978–87) between their graduation from medical Having previously been an HR Director for James has just competed in the British school and becoming a consultant or GP. the largest law firm in the Middle East, Chris Masters Marathon Championship (held at Alan is also a Council Member of the UK is now COO of a legal recruitment business the Yorkshire Marathon on 20 Oct 2019) and Academy of Medical Educators and an headquartered in Bristol. Chris has many was the first Scottish finisher overall, also 5th Education Associate with the General fond memories of his time at the Academy in the Male 50–55 age category. / 19 Medical Council. / 22 and would love to hear from any old friends who he has lost contact with. / 15 John D Edward (EA 1973–87) Emmanuel Vivet (EA 1989–90) After many years working in and for the EU, Emmanual has recently published a new James A F Lowe (EA 1974–82) and then as a spokesman for the Remain book, Negotiations from Around the World. James took part in a 30-day golf marathon Campaign in Scotland in 2016, John stood Lessons for Modern Diplomacy (Cambridge: in September 2019, posting photographs for the Scottish Liberal Democrats in the Intersentia, October 2019). / 23 on Instagram each day under irish_golf_ May 2016 UK elections for the European marathon. / 16 Parliament. / 20
John H Crichton (EA 1971–85) Fiona C Denison (EA 1987–88) 1991–2000 In October 2019, John, a forensic Fiona was recently promoted to Professor of Andrew J Rae (EA 1978–91) psychologist, gave a lecture at Royal College Translational Obstetrics in Edinburgh. She Andrew is now a Lead Solutions Architect of Physicians Edinburgh. works at Little France and the University of at Aberdeen Standard Investments. Edinburgh and you can read more of her Nicholas J Watson (EA 1972–85) story on pages 22 and 23. / 21 Neil R Mackenzie (EA 1982–91) Nicholas was awarded the Medal of the Neil took Silk (ie. became a QC) at the Scottish Endowment Fund of Air Marshal RAF Christopher P Santini (EA 1979–88) Bar (Faculty of Advocates) in 2019. / 24 Karel Janoušek at the Archbishop’s Palace Christopher is proud to announce his in Prague, on 14 August 2019, for his position as Headteacher of St Thomas of James H Milne (EA 1981–91) contribution to honouring the memory of Aquin’s Roman Catholic High School in James was installed as Canon Precentor of St the 2,500 Czechoslovak pilots who fought in Edinburgh. He lives in Lauder, in the Scottish Paul’s Cathedral by the Rt Revd and Rt Hon the RAF during WW2, through his book When Borders, with his wife, Caroline, and three Dame Sarah Mullally DBE, Bishop of London, Lions Roar. / 17 children, Charlotte, Angus and Isaac. in May 2019.
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THE ACADEMICAL / 28 49 Stephen P Bennett (EA 1986–92) under the slogan “Break the taboo and have Hector W McFarlane Stephen is now working at Gahini Hospital some fun!”. #FlushFest2020 takes place in (EA 1993–2006; EA Staff 2012–present) in Eastern Rwanda, where he is the only Perth on May 29th & 30th 2020, (see www. For seven weeks over the summer of 2019, surgeon, along with his wife Catriona, an menopausecafe.net for details). Rachel’s Hector was offered a Sabbatical from EA to anaesthetist, and growing family. This is a daughter, whom some may remember as a live and teach in a charity school in a Favela very different challenge from leading the large bump in the summer of 1995, is now community in the heart of Rio de Janeiro. Department of Surgery in Fife where there at Glasgow University training to be a This was an unbelievable experience, helping were more than 30 consultant surgeons of maths teacher. / 27 children aged 7–12 gain much needed various specialties to cover a similar size educational support. For more information of population! The couple expects to be in Iain G Campbell (EA 1984–97) on the amazing organisation that runs the Rwanda for the next three years, serving at Iain is an author, writing travel books, and school, visit www.projectfavela.org. / 30 the hospital with the Church Mission Society has children at the Junior School. and the Anglican Church of Rwanda, and Zake Muluzi (EA 2003–08) would be happy to welcome other volunteers Ian Stirling (EA 1987–2000) Zake competed at the World’s Strongest Man or elective students who want to make a Ian now runs the Port of Leith distillery with 2018 in Florida, representing Great Britain. / 31 difference. / 25 Paddy J P Fletcher (EA 1987–2000). / 28 Alice E Loudon (EA 2007–09) Nicola A Johnston (EA 1993–95) Alice represented Great Britain in August at Nicola, aka Vivien Reid, wrote, produced and the World Sprint Triathlon Championships in starred in the film, The Box, which won the 2001 – 2010 Lausanne, Switzerland, finishing 13th in the Best Short Suspense Film Award at the Show Andrew I B Noble (EA 1989–2002) 25-29 year age group. Low Film Festival in Lakeside, Arizona. / 26 Andrew has been appointed as a partner with venture capital outfit, Par Equity. Isobel M Reid (EA 2007–09) Rachel M Weiss (EA Staff 1992–96) The launch of Isobel’s beauty supplement Rachel now runs a counselling and training Philip Brian Hall (EA Staff 1979–2006) company Gloh has seen her progress from business in Perth (www.rowan-consultancy. Former Head of Business Studies, Philip the classrooms of the James Clerk Maxwell co.uk) and in her spare time she founded a Brian Hall, has just published his second Science Centre to working with her own lab charity, Menopause Café, hosting pop-up novel, The Family Demon, a sequel to The to develop a digestible blend of Collagen, events where anyone can talk about the Prophets of Baal. His short story, No Head Hyaluronic Acid, D Biotin and vitamins A, B2, menopause, regardless of age or gender, for Figures, is due to appear in Flame Tree B6 and B12. Simply add it to water and drink with the aim of breaking the silence around Publishing’s latest hardback anthology your way to plump and glowing skin! Gloh is this topic. Over 300 Menopause Cafés have Detective Mysteries and a publication date available from www.glohbeauty.com. / 32 taken place throughout the UK, including is awaited for a story picked up by several in workplaces, with over 2,000 Galaxy’s Edge. / 29 Augusta J M Maclean (EA 2008–10) participants. The charity also organises Augusta Maclean is an artist and, in 2019, the world’s only Menopause Festival with a Shaun McCarron (EA 1999–2006) held a solo fringe show at St Vincent’s mixture of medics, HR, menopause policies, Shaun recently opened the award-winning Church. / 33 creative workshops and stand-up comedy Little Chartroom restaurant in Edinburgh.
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Sasha A Spratt (EA 1997–2010) Ewan MacLean (EA 2007–10) took part in Graduations In May 2019, Sasha along with Chris Allan (EA the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge – a Matthew O C Webb (EA 1995–2010) 1997–2011) and Blossom Bendit (EA 2010–13) 3,000 mile unsupported rowing race from Matthew graduated from the University of came into school to host a careers advice the Canary Islands to Antigua. They are the Aberdeen in June 2019 with MEng (Hons) session with the 3rds (S2). / 34 first trio of brothers to take on the challenge in Mechanical Engineering. and raised a significant amount of money for charity. / 38 Cameron J Simpson (EA 2000–12) Cameron graduated from the University 2011 – 2019 Phoebe Traquair (EA 2016–18) of Aberdeen in June 2019 with Degrees of Anisha Mondair (EA 2008–11) Pheobe competed for Scotland in July Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor Anisha recently qualified as a Solicitor in 2019 at the British Dressage Youth Home of Surgery. England and Wales after eight years of Internationals. Competing at elementary undergraduate, postgraduate and in-job level, in her individual class she was second Finn C L Macpherson (EA 2001–14) training. She is now registered with the out of 25 competitors and, in the team Finn graduated from the University of Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Law competition, was delighted to come 11th Aberdeen in June 2019 with MA (Hons) Society and currently works in the Criminal out of 31 competitors. Phoebe was riding in Business Management. Law department at a firm in Birmingham, Dryfe Royal Cavalier, and despite being a new primarily within the Magistrates Court, combination they held their own – especially Peter H Jacobs (EA 2002–15) Crown Court and Prison Law. in torrential rain! Phoebe will compete again, Peter graduated from the University of at the end of August 2019, at the British Aberdeen in June 2019 with BSc (Hons) Rob S Cowie (EA Staff 1963–2012) Dressage Under 25 Championships. / 39 in Biology. Former staff gathered at The Baillie Bar (EA 2009–15) for a surprise party on 30 August 2019 to Charles A Brookman Olatokunbo T M Lawal (EA Staff 1994–present) Olatokunbo graduated from the University celebrate Rob’s 80th birthday. Rumour has In 2019, Charles celebrated his 25th year of Aberdeen in June 2019 with MA (Hons) in it that celebrations carried on well into the teaching Mathematics at the Academy. Economics-International Relations. night! / 35
Andrew K Tart (EA Staff 1994–present) Beatrice F Prestt-Thomson (EA 2013–15) Bradley Forbes-Cryans (EA 2007–12) In 2019, Andrew celebrated his 25th year Beatrice graduated from the University of Bradley is among five canoeists to be teaching Classics at the Academy. Aberdeen in June 2019 with BSc (Hons) selected for the Olympics in Tokyo 2020. / 36 in Psychology. Charles E Cooke (EA Staff 1997–present) Jasmine S Banks (EA 2008–16) On 3 August 2019, Charles completed the Fraser I Wilson (EA 2008–16) Jasmine is currently a student-athlete at Islay half marathon in a personal best time Fraser graduated from the University Central Michigan University in the States. / 37 of one hour 45 mins. This earned him 6th of Aberdeen in June 2019 with an place in the Super Veterans category and a Undergraduate Diploma in Higher Lachlan D H MacLean (EA 2004–16) bottle of Ardbeg whisky from the sponsors. Education (Law). In 2019, Lachlan and his two older brothers Next summer he hopes to run the Harris half Jamie MacLean (EA 2009–12) and marathon. / 40
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THE ACADEMICAL / 28 51 Marriages Jenny Isherwood (EA Staff 2015–present) Hugh McMichael Jnr (EA 1988–2001) Lucy E Lawrie (nee Marsh) (EA 1992–94) Jenny, EA’s Head of Outdoor Education, Hugh and Karen were pleased to announce and Matt J Little (EA 1988–94) married Iain Frederick Delano Laing on the arrival of Angus Hugh McMichael in June Lucy and Matt were married in Edinburgh 27 July 2019 in Selkirk – ‘hame toon’ of EA 2019. Angus has a very attentive big sister in in front of their three daughters, Rebecca, Founder, Sir Walter Scott. / 45 Hollie! / 48 Emily and Charlotte, and their friends and Frances Walker (nee Coleman) family, including Lucy’s father, Henry Marsh Oliver J A Tidman (EA 1989–2002) (EA Staff 2015–19) (EA Staff 1974–2006). Matt and Lucy struck Oliver and Sinéad welcomed their second Fran married Gareth Walker on 28 July 2019 up a friendship in Mr Cook’s biology class son, Clovis Fraser John, on 26 April 2018. at St Leonard’s Church, Speeton, followed in 6th year (1992) and recently decided to Clovis has settled in well and enjoys playing by a reception at the bride’s parents’ farm become more than just lab partners! with his brother, Struan. / 49 with ceilidh-ing, kilts and crowd-surfing! A beautiful, if windy, day was had by all. / 46 Thomas O Murdock (EA 1987–2000) Thomas married Scott McKinnon Robertson on 10 October 2019 at the Edinburgh City WE WOULD Chambers. / 42 Births LOVE TO HEAR Stephen P Bennett (EA 1986–92) Adam G Rahmani (EA 1989–2000) Stephen and his wife Catriona are delighted YOUR NEWS! Adam married Edwina Moore at SS Mary & to announce the birth of Rachel Elizabeth Laurence Church, Crookstown, Ballitore, Bennett on 15 March 2019, a sister for three- Co Kildare, Ireland on 6 April 2019. / 43 year-old Hannah. / 25 Email us with news you’d like to share throughout the year. Hamish W G Campbell (EA 1991–2004) Graeme B MacLeod (EA 1982–95) [email protected] Hamish married Charlotte Lawton at St Graeme and his wife, Kärt Randla-MacLeod, John the Evangelist RC Church in Portobello welcomed another little boy, Kasper, into the on Saturday 2 March 2019. A reception at world on 19 August 2019 shortly before their the Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh, son Magnus started at EA in the Nursery in followed the Mass and the couple were August 2019. delighted that so many family and friends were able to join them. / 44 Jessica Sneddon (nee Trotter) (EA 1995–97) Jessica had her first baby, Florence Charlotte Honey Sneddon, on 12 August 2019 at Simpson’s in Edinburgh. / 47
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52 WWW.EDINBURGHACADEMY.ORG.UK SCHOOL OBITUARIES As we remember and pay tribute to those members of the Academical community who have died recently, we extend our thanks to Alan Fyfe (EA 1957–69) and Tony Cook (EA 1951–61; EA Staff 1975–2003) who compiled this year’s obituary notices. We note also our thanks to those families and friends who have provided us with tributes to their loved ones, which we have included here.
Staff obituaries Sim F Watson (EA Staff 1970–95) on 21 November 2018 in Edinburgh Sim was born on 14 December 1918 in Dechmont, the youngest of seven. A love of music and stage ran in the family, there were even a couple of violin makers among his ancestors, and Sim had violin lessons at school, and then privately with notable Edinburgh musician, Dr John Fairbairn. Before he could take up the violin professionally, WW2 intervened. Sim spent much of the war in a prison camp in Poland before enduring the march back to Northern France. However, he was able to entertain fellow prisoners on his violin and played in the Stalag XXA Dance Orchestra.
On his return to Scotland, Sim gained a place in the Scottish National Orchestra and, following marriage to May and the arrival of daughter Glynis, became a full-time violin and viola teacher, coming to the Academy in 1970. At evenings and weekends, he played with the SNO, Scottish Ballet and Scottish Opera. He also helped to set up the Edinburgh Youth Orchestra, coached with Sim F Watson the National String Orchestra, and for many years was deputy leader of the University Reid Orchestra. Eventually Sim confined his teaching to the and Dux of Musselburgh Grammar School, viola pupils in the Upper School and he gained First Class Honours and then a Despite his busy musical life, Sim committed was in his late seventies when he stopped Doctorate from Heriot-Watt University, himself whole-heartedly to musical activities teaching at the School but he carried on followed by research into Inorganic at the Academy. His help with the Senior playing the violin until well into his nineties. Chemistry under Professor Sondheimer at School orchestras was invaluable and He maintained firmly-held opinions on University College, London. unobtrusively supportive, and he also interpretation, especially of Brahms, ran a fiddle group at the Prep. His Music and was intrepid in his exploration of Ian taught all ages at the Academy but department colleagues, David Stewart (Head unusual repertoire while still enjoying the was happiest with the older A-level and of Strings), Philip Greene and Noel de Jongh, flashy technical bravura of his favourite scholarship level students, though pupils all testify to his qualities as musician, friend musical ‘lollipops’! of any age who were prepared to apply and teacher. According to David, Sim was themselves won his approval. He had high “delightful, kind, unassuming… a very fine After the death of his wife May, Sim standards but the pupils respected them, player who was particularly patient with continued to live an independent life, particularly those who could see past his the younger pupils and always encouraged maintaining an excellent vegetable garden, often lugubrious manner to the keen sense the less talented”. Philip describes him as until he reached the age of 99, when he of fun and humour beneath. Iain served “a real gentleman and always ready to give moved into an Edinburgh care home. for three years as Resident House Tutor support in any way… a joy to work with and With thanks to Phil Coad (EA Staff 1989–2017) in Jeffrey House, getting on well with the a wonderful musician, full of insight” while boarders and earning their respect. Noel recalls that “he had an instinctive grasp Ian Storie (EA Staff 1978–2000) of what was needed in a teaching context… on 22 July 2019 in Hawick In 1987, Ian became Head of Chemistry and he got on with everyone… an amazing man Ian joined the Chemistry staff at the EA served in that capacity for nine years. He and very good friend”. in 1978 and came with a distinguished and his colleagues formed a happy team academic record. He had been Head Boy and they were always grateful for his deep
THE ACADEMICAL / 28 53 understanding of the subject and willingness fond memories to those staff who latterly the Social Service group at the Academy to discuss difficult topics. He didn’t enjoy, became strangled by the demands of arose as an alternative to the CCF for senior however, the increasing amount of paperwork coursework, continuous assessment and years, Adrian, who had been educated at and health and safety regulations involved! profile reporting. Indeed it was these games the Quaker boarding school, Leighton Park, in the mid 1970s which first introduced most looked after this group with a sensitive touch, Ian also fully involved himself in extra- of us to the concept of 20–20 cricket. The working with local old folk and on projects curricular activities, coaching both rugby matches were always 20 overs per side with such as Stockbridge House. His many other and cricket, and was a sturdy prop in the everyone but the wicket keeper required to interests – ornithology, overseas trips or Staff XV who played the boys each year bowl two overs (now there’s a thought!). expeditions to Blair House and the hills – as before such fixtures were sadly phased out. well as his many talents, and the breadth and He was a keen follower of Nottinghamshire Terry’s other passion was drama. He value of his contribution, are obvious. County Cricket Team but had little regard for directed Academy plays, both in English and latter day English test players! Iain also led French, and was instrumental in breathing Adrian was passionate about education many canal boat trips, under the flag of the life into the nearly defunct drama group and his career after the Academy was Edinburgh Academy Steam Navigation Club, at Wardie Parish Church, where his wife distinguished. He went first to The Priory and memorably two trips to India. Margaret was an Elder. Terry was appointed School, Shrewsbury, as Head of Modern Head of French in 1978 and was also a Languages, then to a similar post at King School musical activities were another VIIths classteacher and had responsibility Edward VI School, Southampton, before source of enjoyment and involvement for advising on GAP years. Terry left the being appointed Head of The King’s and Iain had definite views on music and Academy in 1981 to become Deputy School, Macclesfield, a post he held for 14 musicians (as on many other matters). In his Headmaster at Nottingham High School for successful years. On ‘retiral’, he was far youth he had been a Rolling Stones fan but Boys and, in September 1988, was appointed from finished, serving for many years as an had no time for the Beatles, and he much as the first Principal of the Dame Allans OFSTED inspector, as an advisor and mentor preferred Bruch to Mozart. Ian was also a Schools in Newcastle, supplying energy and to headteachers and as Chairman of the lifelong stamp collector and when he took vision to the task of integrating the existing Governors of his old Prep School, The early retirement from the Academy, he ran boys’ and girls’ schools into one successful Downs Malvern. his own stamp business from home. He whole. He retired in 1996. enjoyed sharing his knowledge and interest Adrian would be the first to say, and he of stamps with pupils, as he did his passion Terry’s health deteriorated some years ago often did, that he could not have managed for bridge, and out of school he was an and latterly he was severely compromised by without the help and support of his wife, enthusiastic member of a bridge group Alzheimer’s Disease. He is is survived by his Jenny. The contribution they both made to involving both Fettes and Academy staff. wife Maggie and his two children, Susie and the Academy and the Academy community Michael (EA 1974–81). was remarkable, is fondly remembered and Iain was a real asset to the Academy, well liked Obituary kindly provided by David Standley will endure. by colleagues and pupils – particularly the (EA Staff 1970–2009) With thanks to Rob Cowie (EA Staff 1963–2000) more discerning and hard-working students. (A full version of Rob’s obituary is available Although his final years were blighted by Adrian G Silcock (EA Staff 1963–75) on request from the Development & Alumni illness, he coped with his typical wry fortitude. on 1 November 2018 in Ledbury, Herefordshire Relations Office) He was a good and loyal friend to those who The Academy has been blessed with a host knew him well and will be much missed. of outstanding teachers over the years. Mabel Junner (EA Staff 1990–2000) With thanks to Rob Cowie (EA Staff 1963–2000) Adrian Silcock was up there with the best in March 2019 of them and his contribution was huge and Mabel was the bastion of the tuck shop and Terry A Willcocks (EA Staff 1968–81) far-reaching. Adrian joined in 1963 from ruled the boys, as they mostly were boys in on 21 November 2018 Jesus College, Oxford, as one of Rector Mills’ those days, with a rod of iron. She brooked Educated at Portsmouth Grammar School first appointments, and quickly made his no bad behaviour in the queue, no pushing, and the University of St Andrews, Terry mark in a blossoming and innovative modern shoving, impatience and, particularly, no arrived at the Academy in 1968 from Ipswich languages department. Adrian was inspired bad language. Transgression resulted in a School. First and foremost an excellent by the new Rector’s strong ideas about fine appropriate to the misdemeanor and linguist and a really enthusiastic teacher language teaching – but put his own stamp reluctance to pay simply meant subtracting of French, Terry turned out to be another on them too. His teaching was rigorous, lively the fine from the boy’s change! In this way, classic Bertie Mills appointment. He quickly and fun. His pupils were a lucky bunch and Mabel raised several hundred pounds each embraced the ‘everybody does everything’ their results proved it. year to be donated to the school charity of culture. How else can one explain the the time. Despite her strictness, Mabel was conversion of a lifelong Portsmouth soccer Adrian shared a Junior Rugby practice with no dragon and displayed great compassion, fan into the highly competitive coach of the the Rector, no less firm in his views on rugby often acting as an agony aunt to any woes. Academy 5th XV? coaching, and also coached tennis (having Characters like Mabel are an important played for the Oxford 2nd Tennis Team) and aspect of school life, helping to set the Terry’s sporting contribution to the squash, winning the 1966/67 Scottish Club standards we all expect. Academy included cricket and athletics. He Championship with the Accies Squash team, represented Scottish Universities at cross- which he later captained. Adrian ran his own Peter Allen (EA Chaplain 1999–2007) country in their annual match with their Junior Drama group, encouraging pupils on 25 December 2018 in Somerset English counterparts and he coached the not only to act, but to write and perform The Revd Canon Peter Allen died in his sleep Under-15½ XI Cricket and was instrumental their own material as well, and he acted on the evening of Christmas Day 2018 while in reviving the staff cricket team. Evening with distinction himself as a member of the staying at his sister’s home in Somerset. It matches at New Field or beyond bring back Edinburgh Graduate Theatre Group. When was always a great joy to hear him, in his
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later years, leading Evensong at St Mary’s was the Football Club doctor and advisor Episcopal Cathedral in Edinburgh, enriching on boxing techniques. Together, Zoe and Academical the office with his fine singing voice, and it Ralph made a formidable couple and their was fitting that a memorial Evensong was three children all attended the Academy. obituaries celebrated there in his honour on 6 February Will Lutton (1992–2005), Euan Lutton 2019. The many friends and acquaintances (1994–2007) and Angus Lutton (1999–2012) Peter made during his long and active life contributed fully to school life, playing in the 1931–1940 filled the building and showed the great love 1st XV and the Pipe Band, and always being John Campbell-Smith (EA 1931–39) and affection in which he was held, while to the fore at Burns Suppers. on 19 March 2019 in Auckland, New Zealand the music of the service, no doubt largely John was born in Edinburgh in January 1925 chosen by Peter himself, reflected his wide Zoe was much involved in School as a and attended the Academy from the first musical taste from Tallis and Bach to Howells, parent too, helping with rugby and cricket year of the Prep until the IVths. He served Butterworth, Dyson and Vaughan Williams. teas and serving on the Pipe Band Support in the Royal Artillery as a lieutentant and Group. She helped chaperone a Pipe Band was promoted to captain in 1946. After Peter Allen became Chaplain of the Academy tour to New York and was brilliant with the leaving the army, he went up to Cambridge in 1999 at the invitation of the then Rector, pupils, exercising a natural authority with University and graduated MA in Mathematics John Light, their paths having crossed at the lightest of touches. Voluntarily giving in 1952. John farmed at Ruskich in Glen Lyon Sedbergh in the late 1980s. For eight years, much needed aid in the Accies Office, Zoe before heading north to farm at Collaboll, Peter devoted his considerable energies was quietly efficient, willing to tackle the Lairg and then at Forsinard, Sutherland. to the pupils and staff of the school while humblest task and usually anticipated jobs John lived his last year and ten months in carrying out other pastoral and ecclesiastical without being asked. Sadly, Zoe was forced Auckland, New Zealand, near his daughter, duties in the city. to retire due to ill health in 2008, and after an Helen. His son, John, wrote to us that he extraordinarily brave battle with cancer, she ‘died peacefully in his sleep, content and Peter was a man of great humour who died in 2018. She was one of the very best comfortable. Gone, he will be remembered enjoyed company, food and wine. He was a and is hugely missed. fondly by all who knew him.’ generous host and a skilled cook. He also had a great interest in literature and music. Yvonne Turner BA (EA Staff 1968–70) A lover of the works of the Metaphysical on 27 January 2019 in Frome, Somerset Poets, he was also a passionate advocate of Yvonne was born in Egypt and spent her the poetry of T S Elliot and Gerard Manley early life in South Africa. She graduated from Hopkins. With all his wide experience, it Oxford with a degree in Natural Sciences is little wonder that Peter was such an before marrying John, with whom she had effective counsellor at the Academy. There two sons – Jonathan and Robin. Jonathon was nothing public or showy about this side was a pupil at the Academy from 1968–75 of his work, but the many troubled souls, and followed in his mother’s footsteps both pupils and staff, who sought his help to Oxford. will remember with fondness and gratitude his wisdom and sound advice. Peter was a Yvonne was appointed part-time teacher of man of prodigious energy and, on leaving Biology in 1968 and taught all levels up to the Academy, took up a post at the Anglican Higher until the mid 1970s when she moved Church in Monte Carlo and then continued first to St Georges School in Edinburgh his involvement at St Mary’s Episcopal and then to Wycombe Abbey Girl’s School Cathedral in Edinburgh until the very end in England where she was both a house of his life. mistress and a teacher. With thanks to Tim Blackmore (EA Staff 1973–2012) Yvonne was highly respected at EA by pupils and colleagues alike. She played a large Zoe Lutton (EA Staff 2005–08) part in creating, equipping and running the on 7 June 2018 in Edinburgh Biology laboratory at Blair House and set Zoe joined the Academy’s staff in 2005 as high standards for her students. There will a part-time assistant librarian, a position be many who owe their exam success to her John Campbell-Smith that morphed into a careers role within the determined and professional approach. Library. She joined at a time when this was With thanks to Peter Mawby (1968–79) changing from a collection of books to a mine of information. As well as coordinating John D R Chesters (EA 1938/39) speakers for careers talks, she collected and The Academical Club is sad on 7 November 2018 in Emneth, near Wisbech collated material from every university in to announce the death on John attended the Academy for one year the UK, making it easy for pupils thinking 26 September 2019 of Katy Light in the Prep, where he was dux of P1. His about their next steps in life. Universally wife of John Light (Rector 1995–2008) father, Allan Chesters, taught science here liked and admired, Zoe contributed to, and mother of Anna (EA 1996–97) from 1927 to 1940, when he left to be and epitomised, all that is best in the and Nicola (EA 1997–99). Katy Headmaster of Wisbech Grammar School, Academical community. was seen at many Academical Cambridgeshire, where John completed his Club events during John’s time as education. He then worked in agriculture Zoe married Ralph Lutton (EA 1962–76) Rector and we send condolences and horticulture until 1954, the year he whose brother, Ian Lutton (EA 1959–72), to the whole family. married Gillian Mary Wilson and joined HM was a fine athlete and whose father, Clifford, Customs and Excise. In 1969, John won a
THE ACADEMICAL / 28 55 national prize in the Civil Service Further for Laporte Chemicals for four years before and was Bursar of Reigate Grammar School Education Competition for his work in silver moving to ICI Mond (Chemicals and Polymers until 1991. David and Peggy moved to North and gold. He was commissioned by the Division), where he spent most of his working Berwick in 1991 and David volunteered at Central Scotland Water Development Board life. In a note on his career in 1989, he Haddington Citizens Advice Bureau for 13 to design and execute a ‘Loch Lomond’ plate wrote to us saying that he had ‘theological years, specialising in tribunal cases. David in silver, gold and polished loch stones, and musical interests’ but that he was ‘not passed away peacefully at home and is which was presented to the Queen in 1971. averse to mixing with publicans and sinners!’ survived by Peggy, their three children, John continued to work with precious William’s elder brother, who had preceded eight grandchildren and twelve great- metals under his own Edinburgh hallmark him at the Academy by four years (EA grandchildren. and the Academy figured largely in his 1928–35), died in 1984. memory, especially in his final years. His wife James H A Mackenzie (EA 1933–45) continues to live in Emneth, near Wisbech. Alan J D Sutherland (EA 1937–39) on 25 January 2019 in Edinburgh With thanks to John’s son, Tim Chesters on 27 June 2019 in Edinburgh James joined the Academy in the first year Alan was at the Academy for the first two of the Prep and left from the VIIths. He was David R Duguid (EA 1932–39) years of the Prep. His brother, Iain (EA a member of the 2nd Cricket XI and the on 15 April 2016 in Chemainus, BC, Canada 1937–39), was in the class above and both Shooting VIII and won the Mackenzie Prize David was born in Bo’ness in 1922, the left for Loretto in 1939. At the age of 13, Alan for Classics. He spent his National Service second son of Mary and Major General went on to the Edinburgh College of Art and, (1946–48) in the Royal Artillery and after David Duguid. His brothers, James and Ian, by 1953, had had three pictures exhibited in graduating BL from Edinburgh University were both at the Academy (EA 1930–36 the Royal Scottish Academy. He went on to was admitted as WS and became a partner and 1932–43 respectively) when he joined become an acclaimed portrait painter and, in in several law firms, finally joining his father the school in the Prep Vths. He left from 1987, was commissioned to paint a portrait in the now family firm of James Mackenzie & VII Science to attend Edinburgh University, of the Duke of Edinburgh which now hangs in Son, WS in Leith. In 1952, he married Marjory graduating with a degree in Electrical and the Morning Room of the New Club. and the following year they had a twin son Mechanical Engineering in 1942. He was and daughter. In 1973, James was appointed commissioned in the Royal Electrical and H John F Cairns (EA 1933–40) a JP for the City of Edinburgh. An enthusiastic Mechanical Engineers (REME) and served on 12 November 2018 member of the Academical Club, his son, in Britain, Belgium, Holland and Germany. John joined the Academy in Lower II and James D Mackenzie, also attended the After the war he returned to Edinburgh boarded in Mackenzie House and Jeffrey Academy (EA 1958–71). University to complete civil engineering House. His mother, Barbara, was the exams before emigrating to Canada in 1948. youngest sister of Lionel Smith (Rector R Alexander A Dalglish (EA 1940–46) In the early 1950s, David joined the Montreal 1931–45). John won the Pentland Carpentry on 14 February 2019 in Dumfries Engineering Company Ltd (later Monenco). Prize in 1935 and later the Ferguson Medal Alex joined the Academy during the war Much of his career involved the construction and H N Boyd Prize for Mathematics. He years, boarding at Hartree House, Biggar. He of hydroelectric projects, both in Canada went up to Balliol College, Oxford, and played in the 1st XV and left from the VIths and overseas. David married Patricia Garson graduated BM BCh in 1946. There he met to join the family farm at Dalveen, Durisdeer, in Vancouver in 1972 and their son, William, Elspeth and they married in 1948, moving Dumfriesshire. Latterly he was living in the was born in 1980. The family moved to to Australia two years later with their infant nearby town of Thornhill. Chemainus when David retired in 1981 and son William. Hugh and Victoria were born in his subsequent years were spent as a family Australia where John worked for the Royal R Brian Mouatt (EA 1944–46) man, gardening, boating and imparting his Melbourne Hospital and then the Australian on 29 October 2018 in Dorset lifelong passion for fishing to his son. National Universtity in Canberra. In the Brian was at the Academy for two years 1960s, the family moved to the USA, where in the Prep, going on to Hailey School in H Boniface Kruger (EA 1939) John worked for New York’s Cold Spring Bournemouth and then Blundell’s School in on 1 May 2019 Harbor Laboratory and finally, in the 1970s, Devon. After graduating BDS from Edinburgh Boniface was at the Academy from April to they moved to London where John become University in 1960, he joined the RAF Dental September 1939. He left for Broughton and Head of the Imperial Cancer Research Fund’s Branch on a short-service commission and then attended a number of other schools Mill Hill Laboratories and was elected FRS in rose to the rank of Squadron Leader. He before joining the Order of Friars Minor in 1974. John was also a keen rock climber and married Ursula Wälti in 1962 and, after he 1947. After being ordained, he graduated ski mountaineer, and a talented pianist. left the RAF in 1965, they moved to Zambia, with a Doctorate of Philosophy at the where he became the Chief Dental Officer. Pontificia Università Antonianum in Rome, Returning to England, he went into general later becoming Librarian at the Franciscan dental practice for 13 years before joining Study Centre in Canterbury. His brother, Very 1941–1950 the Department of Health in 1984. After six Rev Canon Karl H Kruger (EA 1939–40), died David B Dixon (EA 1935–45) years, Brian became the UK’s Chief Dental on 24 May 1989. David was an Ephor and in the 1st Cricket Officer and held that post until he retired X1 and 1st Rugby XV. He joined up in March in 1996, being awarded a CBE the following William R Rodger (EA 1936–39) 1945 as an Ordinary Seaman and was then year. Retirement did not stop him working in William joined the Academy in the Prep IIIrds promoted to Midshipman RNVR in 1946 several international roles and he became and left from the IInds in the Upper School. before transferring to the regular Royal the Education Member of the first General He went on to Wellingborough School for a Navy in 1947, specialising in the Supply and Chiropractic Council in 1997. year and then returned to Edinburgh and Secretariat Branch. He married Peggy in Merchiston Castle School. After graduating 1951. David played rugby for Hampshire, BA in Natural Sciences and Chemical Kent, the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Engineering in 1952 (MA 1955), he worked Navy. He retired as a Commander in 1983
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Brian H Rogers (EA 1935–38 and 1945/46) left from the VIths. He was a Junior Ephor in 2018 in Somerset and a Sergeant in the CCF, winning the Brian’s education at the Academy was Corporal’s Cup in 1948 and the Addis Cup for curtailed by wartime moves, but he was shooting in 1949. He went on to Heriot–Watt always proud to have completed his College to study engineering and worked education here. After training in aeronautical for a while with J & A Leslie & Reid (Civil engineering, he worked first at Napiers and Engineers) in Edinburgh. He won a Miller then with Normalair-Garett, specialising in Engineering prize and was later awarded the aircraft air-conditioning and pressurisation Institution Medal and Premium for 1954 by systems. Husband to Edna for 50 years the Institution of Civil Engineers in London. and father to Ian and Kevin, he lived in He was engaged in National Service as a Yeovil, Somerset from 1959. In addition to Second Lieutenant with the Royal Engineers developing a distinguished career within his between 1954 and 1956 and married Elspeth chosen field of expertise, he pursued many Frank H Mycroft Grant in Perth in 1959. They had a son in outside interests, especially as a pianist in 1963 and a daughter in 1965. In 1970, Brian both the classical and jazz traditions. was appointed Managing Director of James With thanks to Brian’s son, Kevin Rogers Frank H Mycroft (EA 1940–48) Laidlaw & Sons and the family moved down on 3 September 2019 in Somerset to Stafford. He was an active Academical, S Ross Martin (EA 1937–47) Frank joined the Academy in the Geits and making an effort to contact Accies while in on 12 January 2019 left from VII Classical, spending his National Malaysia and attending several Academical When Ross came to the Academy in the Service years in the Royal Corps of Signals. reunions over the years. Prep IVths, his three elder brothers, John, After graduating MA from Edinburgh Robert and Donald, were already in the University, he became a CA Apprentice at Alexander M Mann (EA 1944–50) Upper School. He clearly had to meet certain Maxtone Graham & Sime, beginning a career on 9 August 2019 in Windermere expectations and did so by becoming an as an accountant and director in a number of Alex joined the Academy and Dundas House Ephor, playing in the 1st XV, shooting in the firms, including De Havilland and Essex Soft in III and by the time he left from the VIths, 1st VIII and leaving the Academy as Dux of Drinks. He became a partner in Romanes & had been made a Junior Ephor, Platoon the Whole School. After two years of National Munro CA and Deloitte Haskins & Sells CA, Sergeant Major and had won the Ozanne Service with the Royal Scots, he received an where he was an insolvency specialist. He Cup. He also played in the 1st XV and, when Exhibition to Trinity College Cambridge, later and his wife, Margrit, and their family, lived in he left school, for the Accies 1st XV. After a graduating with a Double First in Natural Barnton and his four sons, Max, Guy, Robert year at Edinburgh University, his National Sciences and Chemical Engineering. His and Tim, all attended the Academy in the Service took him to Northern Ireland and, career in chemical engineering included 1970s and 1980s. Frank retired in 1988 and as a Lieutenant attached to the Royal Scots, 14 years with ICI and later Humphreys & he and Margrit moved to Somerset in 2008. to Korea in 1953. Returning to Scotland Alex Glasgow Ltd, Stone & Webster Engineering became a management trainee in Stewart’s Ltd and finally Heurtey Petrochem in Paris. Ian A H Syme (EA 1939–48) of Jedburgh and played for Gala 1st XV. He Ross retired in 1985 and moved back to on 26 December 2018 in Dundee went on to Leicester College and won the England with his wife Valerie, settling in Ian joined the Academy in the first year of UK Gold Medal in Textile Technology, then to Welwyn Garden City. the Prep, boarding at Mackenzie House, John Beales of Nottingham, later Marathon Hartree House and Scott House. He showed Knitwear. After a heart attack in 1980, he Roy W Meikle (EA 1944–47) considerable sporting potential before he left the corporate world and set up a retail on 16 August 2019 in Gullane left from the VIths, winning the Ozanne Cup business with his wife, Jean, in Windermere. Roy was at the Academy from the Lower in the Joint Training Corps and as Captain After selling the business some years IVths to the VIths and, though not a noted of the Cricket XI. On moving to Glasgow later, he spent time gardening, golfing and sportsman at school, played for the Accies University, he won XV Colours as well as a involved in Round Table activities. 1st XV for a decade after he left, and also Cricket Blue and, in 1950, a Cricket Cap for for Edinburgh in 1952. He obtained Scottish Scotland. After graduating BSc in Agriculture, and National Diplomas at the East of he spent two years as a farm manager Scotland College of Agriculture and returned in Kenya before completing his National 1951–1960 to Hardengreen, near Dalkeith, to farm in Service as a Captain in the Royal Electrical W Arthur A Burns (EA 1938–51) partnership with his father. His father retired and Mechanical Engineers. In 1957, Ian Arthur’s brothers, James and Ian (both of in 1957, which was the same year that Roy joined Shell’s Agricultural Division in London, whom died some years ago) were already married Davina Dobbie. Their son, Robin starting a career in the chemical industry at the School when Arthur joined in the first Meikle (EA 1964–71) also attended the which took him to Venezuela and Argentina. year of the Prep. In the Upper School, Arthur Academy. In 1970, Roy bought another farm at He married Flora McLean in 1957 and they became a Divisional Ephor, leaving from the Broomdykes, near Duns, and in 1979 became moved to St Andrews in their retirement. VIIths for National Service in the RAF, a Director then the first Chairman of grain They celebrated their diamond wedding where he was posted to Coastal Command cooperative, Border Grain Ltd. He continued anniversary in 2017, and Flora died a year in Northern Ireland. He then went into to farm at Broomdykes until he retired in later, on 9 December 2018. A fuller story of Civil Engineering, studying at Heriot-Watt 1988, when the family moved to Gullane. Ian’s life may be found in Bill Stirling’s book, College while working in a Consulting Civil 175 Accies. Engineer’s office. Arthur became Contracts Manager at Messrs Alexander Hall & Son. Brian N Harvey (EA 1944–49) His son, Andrew, and nephew, David, were on 25 September 2018 in Stafford also at the Academy (EA 1969–81 and Brian joined the Academy in the IInds and 1970–82 respectively).
THE ACADEMICAL / 28 57 Peter K Wright (EA 1946–52) Colin S C Reid (EA 1945–53) dealings took him all around the world, many on 26 March 2018 Colin joined the Academy in the Geits. He times over, from Scotland to America, to all Peter came to the Academy in the first year played for the 2nd XI for three years and over Europe, China and the Middle East. of the Prep and left from the IIIrds in the was awarded Colours each year. He was He loved people from all walks of life with Upper School. His brothers John and Michael in the Pipe Band and also won the Addis different religions, ethnicities, cultures were also at the Academy (EA 1949–52 and Cup for Golf in 1953. After National Service and knowledge.” 1950–52 respectively) and all left together, in the Royal Scots, he was commissioned in 1952, when their father, a Lieutenant into the regular army, serving in Europe Andrew M McCosh (EA 1949–57) Commander in the Royal Navy, moved away and rising to the rank of Captain. In 1959, on 21 October 2018 in Edinburgh from Edinburgh. He and his brother John he represented the regiment in the Army Andrew was an eminent academic, Professor farmed at Overhailes in East Lothian and Golf Championships in St Andrews. He Emeritus of Edinburgh University and later, Peter farmed at Buskin Farm, near graduated BA in Marketing from Strathclyde former Dean of Manchester Business Coldingham. Peter was elected as a member University and, from the 1980s, worked as School. He taught finance, financial ethics of the Academical Club in 1959. a marketing consultant. Given his interest and information systems for over 40 years, in golf, it is perhaps not a surprise that he mainly to MBA students in the UK and the Angus H Crichton-Miller (EA 1945–53) lived in Gullane in his later years. His younger USA. He qualified as a chartered accountant on 23 January 2019 in Edinburgh brother, Iain, was also at the Academy (EA before moving into academia and collecting Angus joined the Academy in the first 1948–49 and 1951–61). three further degrees. It was while gaining a year of the Prep and boarded for a while doctorate at Harvard that he met Anne, his in Mackenzie House. He played in a very Lenox Harvey Jamieson (EA 1943–55) wife of 53 years. Often ahead of his time, he successful Under-13½ XV but left for Rugby on 11 May 2019 in Edinburgh was an early advocate of many practices that School in the IVths of Upper School. He went Lenox joined the Academy in the first year of are now standard in the academic world, up to Pembroke College, Cambridge, and the Prep and left from VII Science, entering such as the promotion of integration with then entered the entertainment industry, Edinburgh University with the intention industry, the use of personal computers becoming Divisional Managing Director of of studying for a scientific career. While at in the classroom, and the business school Rank Leisure’s Holidays and Hotels Division. university, however, he joined the TA (Royal structure for university management course He was a lifelong racing fan and first came to Engineers) and, on graduating in 1960, joined provision. The dozen textbooks that he the attention of the Racecourse Association the Regular Army – perhaps no great surprise wrote and co-authored are still frequently when he arranged sponsorship at their as his father was Lt Col Harvey Jamieson cited in university reading lists throughout Christmas meeting at Kempton Park in the OBE. Lenox served in a multitude of stations the world. Outside work, he loved the 1990s. He went on to chair the Association across the world. He became involved in Scottish countryside and enjoyed golf, fishing between 1997 and 2001, was a director on training in 71 Engineer Regiment in Glasgow and bagging the full set of Munros. He is the British Horseracing Board and a member and later rose to the rank of Major. survived by his wife, six grandchildren and of the Horserace Betting Levy Board. Angus three daughters, including twins Linda and was a prominent benefactor of the Academy Alison Christine (both EA 1986–88). and the school was privileged to host a With thanks to Andrew’s daughter, Chris McCosh celebration of his life in the School Hall on 2 March 2019. Tributes were paid by members Timothy D Wallis (EA 1955–57) of his family, by friends and by business and on 23 March 2019 sporting colleagues. Timothy came to the Academy in the VIIths, having been at John Lyon School in Harrow. Ken C P Moir (EA 1948–53) In his two years here, he contributed in September 2018 in Lechlade-on-Thames his musical talents to the choir and the The elder son of Prof J Chassar Moir CBE and school orchestra. He went on to Edinburgh Grace Moir, Ken was brought up in Oxford. University and graduated MB ChB in 1965. After attending the Dragon School he joined Following an internship at St Luke’s Hospital, the Academy in the IIIrds, boarding in Jeffrey Saginaw, Michigan, he became a medical House. He won Colours for hockey and was a Corporal in the RAF section of the CCF. missionary with the Africa Inland Mission in Kenya and the Central African Republic. His last night at school was spent in the Robin L Grieve Infirmary, having fallen out of a dormitory Returning to the UK in 1971, he went into window while climbing down knotted sheets general practice in Nettleham, Lincolnshire, to go to a party in town! He was known as a Robin L Grieve (EA 1946–56) and was living latterly in Sudbrooke. practical joker, both at school and at Oxford. on 31 October 2018 in Grand Rapids, Michigan Ken’s working life was spent entirely with the Robin joined the Academy in the Prep IIIrds Erik G Sandeman (EA 1953–58) BBC, working mainly in outside broadcasts. and left from VII Maths/Science in May 1956. on 21 September 2018 in Norway He became Senior Cameraman in charge of He became a Lance Corporal in the CCF Erik was born on New Year’s Day 1940. His the camera crews at Wimbledon and his first and his brother Kenneth and son Michael father, Gordon C Sandeman (EA 1921–32), love was opera and ballet. He married Susan were also at the Academy (EA 1947–55 served as a Captain in the Royal Artillery in 1972 and they had a son and a daughter. and EA 1980–82 respectively). He spent a during the war and was killed in 1943. Ken retired in 1991 and spent a number of lifetime working in the plastics and chemical Brought up by his mother in Galashiels, he years on the edge of an Oxfordshire village, industry. Robin’s son David writes: “He was a attended St Mary’s School, Melrose, before where he kept Black Welsh Mountain sheep, Scotsman born and raised in Edinburgh, but coming to the Academy in 1953 and staying before moving to Lechlade-on-Thames, more important to him, he was an American. from the IIIrds to the VIths. At school, he where he kept a narrow boat. After emigrating to America with his wife, was in the Sailing Club and was a member With thanks to Ken’s widow, Susan Moir Pat, they became US Citizens. His business of its committee. Husband of the late Brita
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Waack, father to Trine, Gordon and Camilla, Cambridge, to read Civil Engineering, starting then the Royal Scots in 1968. Finlay served and grandfather to six, his daughter Camilla his career in 1966 with an appointment throughout Europe, Hong Kong and Belize, writes: “He had truly fond memories of to Mott, Hay & Anderson in Croydon. He and was promoted to Captain in 1972. He his days at the Edinburgh Academy and, continued to work for a number of other married Caroline in 1974 and they had two although he moved to Norway in the early firms around the UK as an engineer and a daughters, Antonia and Katy. As Lieutenant 70s, his Scottish roots were still strong. He mining engineer. He took an Open University Colonel, he commanded the Scottish Division was a true sailor, and one of his last wishes degree in Earth Sciences, graduating in Depot at Glencorse (1987 to 1989) before was to sail back to Scotland.” 1977, and in 1982 was awarded MEng in Civil being posted to Herare as a member of the With thanks to Erik’s daughter, Engineering from Glasgow University. He Directing Staff at the Zimbabwe Staff College. Camilla Sandeman-Kiste retired to Kirkhill, near Inverness, in 2005. He wrote to us: “Much of my heart lies in Africa.” Finlay returned to London and was W Tulloch Thomson (EA 1948–58) Ken F Laidlaw (EA 1951–63) promoted to Colonel in 1994. In retirement, on 10 November 2018 in Edinburgh on 14 August 2019 he was a member of the Military Knights Tulloch was born on 27th March 1942. He Ken joined the Academy in the IInds of the of Windsor and his affable nature will be came to the Academy in the first year of the Prep and left from the VIths. In that time, he remembered by all who attended London Prep and left from the IVths, ten years later. showed major talent as an artist, winning Academical Club events. His wife, Paddy, informed us that he died a number of drawing and writing prizes, peacefully at the Western General Hospital, including the Cheyne Prize for Art. He was Laurence A B Whitley (EA 1954–67) after a short illness, with his family by his also Secretary of the Arts Society. Ken went on 4 November 2018 in Glasgow side. Tulloch and Paddy had two sons, Robert on to Edinburgh College of Art, where he A son of the manse, Laurence joined the and Bruce, and two grandchildren, Robyn developed a distinctive contemporary style, Academy in the first year of the Prep and left and Lydia. later working as an art director for a major from the VIths; he won Colours for hockey publishing house and as a freelance artist and was Captain of the 2nd XI. He went to W A Cameron Black (EA 1946–59) producing everything from book covers to the University of Edinburgh, graduating on 19 March 2019 in Edinburgh billboards. He illustrated several books in MA in 1970, then to the University of St Cameron joined the Academy in the Geits the Real Reads series and his work has been Andrews to study for a BD. After a brief and left from VII Maths to study Engineering exhibited at Hamilton’s Gallery, the Institute dalliance with politics in Dumfriesshire, at Edinburgh University. After graduating of Contemporary Arts, the Design Council he became a minister in Dundee and was BSc in Civil Engineering, he took a Diploma and is currently available at Saatchi Art. ordained in 1975, becoming minister of the in Highway and Traffic Engineering at the Busby parishes in Glasgow. Laurence’s first University of Newcastle upon Tyne. He was Charles Passmore (EA 1954–57 & 1962–65) contribution to Radio 4’s Thought for the appointed to the Edinburgh City Engineers on 8 November 2018 Day was in 1977, and he was invited back Department as an Assistant Engineer Charles entered the first year of the Prep but on many occasions. In 1981, he married and rose to become Chief Transportation left three years later to attend King’s College Catherine MacFadyen and they had two Engineer for Lothian Regional Council. He School in Cambridge before returning to children, Edward and Hilary. In 1985, the married Fiona MacLeod in 1970 and they had the Academy to complete his education. family moved back to the east coast, where three boys, Gavin, Callum and Donald. He graduated BSc in Chemical Engineering Laurence became minister of Montrose from Edinburgh University in 1969 but, like Old and St Andrew’s Church. In 1991, he Robert J B Young (EA 1946–60) many of his era, found his niche in computer completed a PhD from the University of St on 25 May 2019 programming. In 1984 he joined Scottish Andrews on the subject of lay patronage in Robert came to the Academy in the first Widows as a development support manager. the eighteenth century. In 2007, he became year of the Prep and left from the VIths. He He then worked as a technical consultant minister of Glasgow Cathedral and was there was awarded Colours in the 2nd XV and for Texas Instruments and James Martin until shortly before his death from motor also played in the hockey 1st XI. He was Associates, rejoining Scottish Widows as neurone disease. Obituaries were published a Sergeant in the OTC and won the Robb a consultant for two years in 1994. At the in The Herald, The Times and The Scotsman, Trophy in 1958. On leaving the Academy, he same time, he was studying Business Studies the last written by the Very Rev Prof Sir Iain became a trainee manager with the Limmer and Computing at the Open University. He Torrance (EA 1954–63). & Trinidad Lake Asphalt Company, becoming moved to Standard Life in 1996 and worked Assistant Manager in Aden in 1964 before there until retirement in 2012. He referred Donald C E Whitehorn (EA 1957–70) being appointed as Manager in Bahrain to himself as a ‘gentleman of leisure’, living Donald entered the Academy in the first year the following year. Robert later returned in Morningside, enjoying hill walking, golf, of the Prep and left from VII Modern. He to Edinburgh and lived in Corstorphine for Tai Chi and allotment gardening. He was a was a Junior Ephor, was in the U16 athletics many years. keen volunteer in the Royal Botanic Garden’s team, played for the 3rd XV, was Company ‘Edible Gardening Project’. Sergeant Major in the CCF and was Captain of the Shooting VIII and Miniature Range VIII. Finlay R J Maclean (EA 1956–66) With his army cadet record, he had originally 1961–1970 on 26 June 2019 intended to go to Sandhurst but, in a last- Thomas J M Paterson (EA 1950–62) Finlay entered the EA in Prep IVths and minute change of direction, went to study Tom joined the School in the second left from the VIths, making his mark in the Law at Dundee University. Here, he was in year of the Prep and left from VII Maths, School’s sporting annals. He won Colours for the 2nd XV as well as the shooting and sailing having become an Ephor, gained the Duke Rugby and Athletics and was in the Tennis teams. He was President of the University of Edinburgh’s Gold Award and won the VI for six years, winning the Maxwell Tennis Law Society. Donald’s brothers Edward Ferguson Medal, the Gloag Medal and the Bowl in four. He was Platoon Sergeant Major and William were also at the Academy HN Boyd Prize for Mathematics. He won in the CCF and won the Robb Trophy for (EA 1955–68 and 1965–77 respectively). an Exhibition to Corpus Christi College, the Best Cadet, going directly to Sandhurst
THE ACADEMICAL / 28 59 1971–1980 Ian H McInnes (EA 1974–76) the world. Soon after they were married, T Peter Maitland (EA 1961–73) on 27 November 2018 they moved to England and later America, on 13 May 2019 in Devon Ian joined the Academy in the first year settling in Stamford, Connecticut. Barry Peter was born in Edinburgh and spent his of the Prep and stayed for two years. He took on the role of homemaker, looking entire school life at the Academy. From an suffered from ataxia-telangiectasia and, in after their children, Connor and Eliana. He early age he was interested in the outdoors, need of additional specialist support for was a devoted and caring father and wrote fishing with his father on the Tweed or his schooling, went on to attend Graysmill a number of stories for his children. He was helping on farms, and he went to Edinburgh School in Edinburgh and the National Star also a proud Scotsman, and his heritage and University to study Agriculture before taking Centre for Disabled Youth in Cheltenham. the Highlands were always dear to his heart. up a post as an agricultural assistant in Here he achieved four GCSEs and the Duke He died unexpectedly and, as his funeral the Falklands. There, he met Leif and they of Edinburgh’s Bronze, Silver and Gold home obituary read: “He was the life of any married and moved to Scotland in 1980. awards. He was not one to stay at home, party. His smile and his laughter would fill Peter was much in demand by the BBC however, and volunteered for Citizens Advice, any room he was in. Loving and caring, Barry during the Falklands War, speaking about who have now dedicated a training room to had a beautiful heart.” the terrain, the weather and the difficulties him in their Edinburgh centre. He quoted his of moving across the main island. Although grandfather as having said that he wanted Peter and Leif returned to the Falklands, the “to die of exhaustion, not boredom” and that marriage did not last and Peter returned was Ian’s aim too. His life may have been 1991–2000 to the UK in 1989, establishing himself in short but he achieved his aim and, as the James A H Cornforth (EA 1987–98) on 14 March 2019 in Edinburgh Devon. His work with large agricultural sign on the door of his training room reads, pharmaceutical companies took him to he was ‘an inspiration to us all’. James joined the Academy in the first year Nigeria, Ukraine, England and most recently, of the Prep and left from the Vths. He went Spain, but back in Devon, he was a driving missing in February 2019 after last being force behind the community purchase of the seen in Leith and, very sadly, five weeks later, local pub, The King’s Arms. Sadly, he took ill 1981–1990 a member of the public found his body in and died following a hip operation, so didn’t Chris Vaughan (EA 1979–83) woods near Newbridge area. His death was see the pub re-open. Chris came to the Academy from North not treated as suspicious and James’s father, Thanks to W Brian Roberston (EA 1964–73) Berwick High School, joining in the IInds Martin, thanked ‘the police, the media, and and leaving from the VIths. He was a keen members of the public who helped in the sportsman, playing in the Basketball team, search for James.’ the 2nd Squash V and the Tennis teams, as well as the 1st XV. He left to study Engineering at the University of Edinburgh. Chris sadly died from a brain tumour. Errata Kenneth P W Dougall (EA 1960–73) Paul P E Fulford (EA 1974–86) The Academical thanks Kenneth’s brother, on 13 November 2018 in Manchester David (EA 1958–70), for pointing out Paul came to the school in the IInds in the inaccuracies in Kenneth’s obituary in the Prep and stayed until VII Science. He was a last issue for which we apologise. Kenneth Leading Seaman in the Naval section of the and David’s mother’s name was Margot CCF and won both the Pentland Carpentry rather than Margaret, their parents lived in Prize and Senior Woodwork Prize. He Learmonth Terrace rather than Morningside, studied Medicine at Guy’s Hospital Medical and Kenneth personally set up and School, qualifying in 1991. Paul specialised in published the magazine Scottish Town and general and colorectal surgery and become Country, which was one of the first desktop a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in published magazines in the UK; it was not a Edinburgh in 1995. He joined Manchester’s Scottish County Press publication. Christie NHS Foundation Trust in 2002 and was Consultant General and Colorectal Norman L Lawrie (EA 1945–50) T Peter Maitland Surgeon until the time of his death. Paul was The Academical thanks James Rennie (EA married to Rosana Ibarrolo and they had 1952–63) for pointing out an error in children, Lucas and Nicolas. Norman’s obituary in the last issue. Caroline Jonathan M Turner (EA 1973–74) (née Elder) was Norman’s wife rather his Jonathan attended the Academy for a year, Barry J G Hepburn (EA 1974–87) mother; she was the daughter of John S Elder during which time he played the cello in on 15 May 2018 in Naperville, Illinois, USA (EA 1908–10) and the sister of John A E Elder the school orchestra, was a member of the Barry joined the Academy in the first year (EA 1943–52). We extend our apologies. Chapel Choir and sang in The Yeoman of the at Denham Green. He played rugby and Guard. He was a member of the Scientific was in the first teams until the IIIrds, leaving and Mathematical and Debating societies. from VII Maths to read Accountancy and After two years teaching in Lebanon, he went Business Studies at Edinburgh University. up to Christ’s College Cambridge to study After a year on a world tour, he started Natural Sciences. His mother, Yvonne Turner working with the accountancy firm Arthur (EA Staff 1968–70) is recognised in the Andersen. During that time he met Carelys, Staff Obituary section in this issue of and their shared passion for adventure and The Academical. the outdoors took them to many places in
60 WWW.EDINBURGHACADEMY.ORG.UK THE ACADEMICAL / 28 61 THE EDINBURGH ACADEMY
SUPPORTING THE EDINBURGH ACADEMY’S NEXT CENTURY
How you can support us The School has begun the process of securing £4.4million to implement Phase 1 of the TO24 Masterplan. The Edinburgh Academy Foundation seeks to raise funding through gifts from our Academicals (alumni) and parent communities. Our target for donations is ambitious but we are committed to realising our vision and delivering facilities designed for 21st century scholarship.
Become a part of EA History If you would like to make a donation, please contact the Development & Alumni Relations Office. To begin the conversation, please get in touch: 0131 624 4958 or [email protected]